Heralding an end to more than two decades behind the bar, the Bulmer family has listed Lismore’s “star”, the shining Rous Hotel.
The Rous occupies a 1,745sqm corner site in the heart of Lismore, around 700 kilometres north of Sydney, 50 kilometres inland from Byron Bay.
The stately two-storey pub offers at street level a public bar, bistro/café Rous, gaming lounge with 12 EGMs, enclosed beer garden and a large car park. Upstairs is ‘Reels Bar’ cocktail lounge, and a two-bedroom fully self-contained manager’s residence. It formerly had a drive-through bottleshop.
Since 1998 it has been owner-operated by Mick Bulmer, who bought the business with parents Frank and Pat Bulmer. Locals affectionately refer to the pub as “the shining star of Lismore”.
Early last year the family decided to close the bottleshop, to dedicate the space and focus on the growing function business in the area. The Lismore city region counts over 43,000 permanent residents, as well as the Lismore Campus of the Southern Cross University.
The Rous now sports ‘The Greenery’ function space, which has proven a popular addition with locals.
After more than two decades, the Bulmers feel they need a change and are considering other business interests.
“Having owned the Hotel for 20 years we feel now is the right time to part ways and let someone with a fresh approach take the reins,” offers Mick.
The family has enlisted Manenti Quinlan & Associates’ Leonard Bongiovanni, in conjunction with John Hannigan Real Estate Services, to market the asset, likely to see sale price of $3-4 million.
“The stunningly presented Rous Hotel enjoys a diverse mix of trade in a strong urban location,” notes Bongiovanni.
“Being the first time offered in 20 years, we anticipate strong interest in this asset.”
Freehold going concern sale of the Rous Hotel is by Private Treaty.
