The Kanellos family have stepped down from their inner west institution, the Rose Hotel in Chippendale, throwing the bouquet to Colm and Peta O’Neill.
Formerly known as the Native Rose, the pub is well positioned on a prime 485sqm corner of bustling Cleveland Street, amid a thriving residential and commercial precinct that includes both the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and the University of Sydney (USYD), within walking distance of both Central and Redfern train stations and Broadway Shopping Centre.
The Rose is something of an inner west institution, providing around 700sqm of trading space over two levels for a public bar and bistro, gaming room with nine machines and a substantial all-weather beer garden. On the first floor is a bar and balcony suited to private functions.
The sale marks the end of an era for the Kanellos family, Con, George and Effie, stepping away from day-to-day operations for the first time after having been custodians for more than two decades.
Looking to retirement, the family originally put it to market mid-2025 as a freehold going concern, but it ultimately suited their objectives better to sell the leasehold interest, allowing them continued ownership and income from the land and improvements.
Experienced hospitality operator Colm and his wife Peta bring considerable industry expertise, Colm having previously operated venues in the inner west, North Sydney and The Rocks.
Chippendale has been undergoing a transformation into a cultural and technological hub, seen in its inclusion in the Tech Central innovation precinct that stretches to Camperdown. It has projected population growth of over 30 per cent for the next two decades.
The O’Neills are adopting a strategy focusing on demographic trends and targeting the dense local population, including catering for corporate events and after-work trade. Plans to increase foot traffic will incorporate targeting community engagement initiatives.
To these ends they have identified the existing beer garden and first-floor function space as key areas for improvement, planning to provide a refreshed dining and entertainment experience to distinguish the hotel from local competitors.
Taking the keys this month, Colm says they “couldn’t be happier” about assuming the reins from George and Con and are committed to maintaining the venue’s mantra that says ‘We’re a pub for locals, supported by locals’.
“Now, with our young family, the time just seemed right to open our arms and doors in a place of our own,” Colm says.
“A beautiful slice of Sydney is Chippendale. There was that special feeling the first time I set foot in the pub, and you have to go with that good gut feeling when you get it. It’s rare.”
The sale was through JLL Hotels’ Kate MacDonald and Greg Jeloudev, who see the pub’s future as bright.
“Colm and Peta’s vision for The Rose aligns perfectly with the venue’s community-focused heritage while bringing fresh energy and contemporary hospitality expertise,” added MacDonald.
