NSW hub Goulburn is feeling the pinch, with three of its seven pubs suddenly closing and another one a crime scene after a man was killed.
Former western Sydney hotelier Simon Paterson established Goulburn Pub Group in 2024 and went on to buy the operations of the Southern Railway, Empire and Gordon hotels from Adrian Guest, out of Jon Adgemis’ now bankrupt Public Hospitality Group.
Paterson previously owned the Town Tavern in Blacktown, which he operated for 15 years.
PHG had been first drawn to Goulburn in 2019, buying the Southern for circa $6 million. The former Coolavin Hotel was constructed 1872, opposite the railway station. It holds nine EGM entitlements and multiple trading departments, with upside identified through its 18 accommodation rooms.
The Empire was built 1858 and reported strong average weekly revenue through multiple departments, including 15 gaming machines (entitlements) and nine accommodation rooms.
Originally the Prince of Wales, the Gordon Hotel was built in 1886, enjoying diversified revenue streams that count nine gaming entitlements and 14 pub-style accommodation rooms.
Between them they have 90 years remaining on the leases (29, 29 and 32 years, respectively).
Paterson, a former Olympic boxer turned publican, reportedly spent over $1.5 million renovating the portfolio of pubs.
But less than a year after purchasing, he sent the trio to market in March, offered individually or in one line.
With a sale yet to materialise, on 1 November all three closed and notices were posted on the doors. It’s understood receivers have been appointed.
Coming just two days before Melbourne Cup celebrations, a Cup event due to be held at the Gordon had to be cancelled a few days prior.
The Empire was still promoting events on its social media until 27 October.
Now, all social media accounts for the pubs have been taken down.
Goulburn is a key regional hub between Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne, supported by a diverse economy and population of more than 25k people.
The sudden closures halve the number of pubs open in the town, and put 40 staff out of work.
Separately, a man died at another pub previously owned by PHG – the nearby Exchange Hotel.
Emergency services responded to calls to the pub on Friday afternoon, with two men said to be involved in an altercation in one of the hotel’s 18 guest rooms.
Police found a 56-year-old man unresponsive and performed CPR, but he could not be revived.
A crime scene was established.
A 39-year-old man was arrested over the incident and taken to Goulburn Police Station, but he required treatment for a laceration to his head and was taken to hospital.
Upon return he was charged with common assault, granted conditional bail to appear at Goulburn Local Court on 16 December.
