Jack’s back in the Gallagher stable, as a posse of Gallaghers take over operations again at the striking new Jacksons on George.
A pub has stood on the George St site since 1905, when it was known as the Blue Anchor Hotel. In 1933 this changed to the Port Jackson Hotel, which was subsequently demolished in the 70s. In 1983 it reemerged as the Port Jackson Tavern, but just three years later it was branded Jacksons on George, which it stayed until the Gallaghers’ lease wound up and Lendlease demolished the site, in 2018.
In 2023 a bold new iteration was unveiled, as part of Lendlease’s new Sydney Plaza development. Kicking off resumed trade was Michael Broome’s DTL Entertainment, wielding celebrity chef partner Maurice Terzini.
Set within an eye-catching veil-like shroud, the reimagined Jacksons provides a traditional sports bar at street level, and an air of luxury and nostalgia in the upstairs Bistro George.
While Lendlease had to approve the sale, vendor on the deal was Broome, who coincidentally got his start in the industry working for Gallagher Hotels, doing time at PJ Gallaghers in Parramatta, the Oxford in Drummoyne and at the Union in North Sydney.
“It couldn’t go to better person,” offered Broome.
“Gallagher will make that thing hum even more than it is. We wish them all the best.”
The family-run Gallagher group has now taken the keys on a long lease. Patrick confides they see areas to enhance but says things will “mostly” stay as they are, perhaps “with a slight tweak”. A recently approved 3am licence will play into plans to “enhance the late-night entertainment” with the subtle addition of DJs, in the background.
“Thanks to DTL for handing over such a beautiful pub,” he said, following settlement today.
The incomers have retained the head chef and general manager, and next generation Gallaghers Austin and Jack will be running the joint, under the watchful eye of industry veteran, group head chef and devoted mum, Angela Gallagher.
Around a year ago the group sold the Criterion Hotel to Redcape. Pat notes he has always enjoyed operating in the city, and after the better part of a decade is glad to be in such a well-recognised building.
“We got back in quicker than expected,” he remarks.
“There seem to be more precincts in the city than there was pre-COVID, and this precinct is being redeveloped. I’m definitely confident, I think the city is on the up, seeing a resurgence.”
The deal was transacted through JLL Hotels. And glad to be back on familiar turf, the Gallaghers will put their own mark on the elevated offering that replaced one of Sydney’s most infamous sticky-carpet 24-hour watering holes.
“Maybe we can restore the Jacksons on George of old, so every generation can have memories of the place,” jokes Pat.
