Balmain buff Justin Small has taken the keys to Paddy Coughlan’s Botany View Hotel as the reincarnated Peninsula pub operator builds again.
Small was one of the partners in Balmain Pub Group, with a portfolio of pubs in the inner west and North Sydney.
Having divested the Riverview, Town Hall Hotel, Swanson and finally the Greenwood Tavern, Small bought out three partners at the remaining Balmain Hotel operation.
They have since done significant capex at the pub and report revenue up 23 per cent, unleashing the potential of five function spaces, and throwing a party for all the locals, with food and drinks supplied.
“That was the key,” says Small. “Bringing them in, and giving them badges so we could talk to them.”
Looking to successes beyond Balmain, Small has taken on a new 20-year lease at Coughlan’s Botany View, at the south end of Newtown thoroughfare King Street, near St Peters train station and Masterplan Precinct, and between popular locals the Union Hotel and Sydney Park Hotel.
The “BVH” boasts a rare first floor beer garden and three street frontages, with extended 2am trading Thursday to Saturday, and has developed a good reputation as a live music venue, hosting around three bands each Friday and Saturday night, and DJs upstairs.
“That’s what I’m excited about – having music at a venue, because it’s been pretty much snuffed out in a lot of venues today,” adds Small.
“It’s looking pretty good, and coming in to Christmas the business plan is to just get through to mid-January.”
The new lease sale was through CBRE Hotels’ Kate MacDonald and Ben McDonald, who note pub industry veteran Coughlan taking a step back and turning his hand to being landlord, as he pursues business opportunities with his Frank Strong’s alcoholic lemonade.
“This is an ideal marriage of an enthusiastic operator thirsty for another opportunity, and a long-time publican looking to exit the day-to-day,” offers MacDonald.
The business reports 68 per cent of revenue over the bar, and its 12 EGMs – now in a new smoking solution – contribute just eight per cent.
Small sees greater opportunity in the kind of local engagement they brought at Balmain, which included a letterbox drop inviting all the local dogs (not the owners) to come and partake of the expansive outdoor area at the pub, and bespoke doggie menu offering three choices, at $5 each.
The Balmain local has become a haven for the furry dependents of the nearby residents, enjoying their own matt and bowl and greeting from staff. The ‘Three Bs’ are firmly encouraged; No Barking, Biting or Begging.
In the new year Small plans to bring some of their best practises to south King Street, maybe including canine custom.
“I’ll have to check with Council, but I’ll definitely allow dogs in the public bar if I can.
“Once I get to know the area, we’re going to do what we did at Balmain and invite all the locals in, and put free beer and wine on.
“We’ll get to know them, give them all a badge and something special, and really build up the relationship. That’s publican 101.”
That’s my man!!
Go you good thing.