Landmark of the Sydney CBD fringe, the Iconic Glasgow Arms Hotel in Ultimo has been sold to Stehr Hospitality, ushering in fresh eyes to sustain the historic pub.
Situated in the heart of bustling Ultimo, the hotel, built 1906, is known for its classic Georgian architecture, tiled frontage and commanding parapet.
Proximate to Darling Harbour, the Powerhouse Museum and the Sydney CBD, it is a cornerstone of the vibrant community, blending rich history with modern comforts, configured as a classic pub experience, with bar, dining, entertainment and accommodation.
Late 2017 it was bought off-market by chef and emerging publican Adam Derwin from veteran career publican Steve Ginty.
Derwin has applied his tradecraft focus on the foodservice, and boosted the operation of the accommodation, which was already performing well. The gaming is now also going strong, with 14 machines.
Derwin brought experience operating restaurants at Thomas Hotels pubs and the Quaker’s Inn, before taking a lease at the Kurrajong Heights Hotel.
He also has a construction company that is reportedly “performing well and requiring more of his attention” and that has prompted the sale of the leasehold interest, for an undisclosed amount.
Stehr Hospitality is led by owner and managing director Ben Stehr, who brings extensive experience and a reputation for operational polish, and cites intentions to embrace new opportunities and community engagement.
“We are thrilled to take over the Glasgow Arms Hotel, a venue steeped in history and sense of community,” says Stehr.
“The goal is to preserve its heritage while introducing a new energy and enhance the customer experience.”
The pub freehold continues to be held by the same private investor, who has owned it for around 40 years.
The off-market sale was through MQ & Associates’ Leonard Bongiovanni, who stressed the importance of installing a new operator who would maintain the hotel’s legacy while ensuring its future.
“This transaction represents a wonderful opportunity for the Glasgow Arms to enter its next phase of operation, and I’m confident that Stehr Hospitality will build on the hotel’s longstanding reputation,” says Bongiovanni.
