Hotel industry icon Arthur Laundy fulfilled a lifelong dream today, hosting an invitational preview of his new $45 million pub-brewery at Marsden Park.
Honoured guests joined Arthur and Craig Laundy for the pre-launch event at the very large format new venue, coming just over a year since work began at the site in the $2bn Sydney Business Park.
Those attending included Minister Troy Grant, well-known publicans, including Chris Feros and Dan Brady, representatives of the AHA, including Scott Leach and John Whelan, heavyweight industry suppliers and many of those key to the impressive construction.
There were also long-time connections to the pub king, including his wife Margaret and even school friends from 60 years’ ago.
Amid informal tours, guests wandered throughout the vast new western Sydney hotel, admiring its expansive outdoor courtyards with giant LED screen and big childrens’ play area, multiple dining spaces and casual lounges, and of course its elegant onsite brewery, reaching two storeys with gleaming stainless steel tanks surrounded by glass and visible from much of the hotel.
Alongside the pick of major and craft brands, the gleaming new banks of beer taps featured the first three offerings from The Marsden Brewery, being a Lager, Pale Ale and XPA.
Addressing the crowd, Arthur spoke humbly of the work done by many of the Laundy family – both blood relations and by years of service – devoting much of his speech to concerns for his assistant and friend of 54 years, Robyn Gumbley, whose dedication he says made The Marsden a reality. Robyn is unwell and currently in the US receiving specialty treatment.
“This really is a testament to Robyn’s ability and to what Robyn is,” said a clearly emotional Arthur Laundy.
“She wants desperately to know how things are going, texting me on our way here and said ‘Go get ‘em’.”
The Marsden is scheduled to open to the public on Tuesday, 2 April.
Further details, video and images to follow.
