Acclaimed operator Ray Reilly has executed another team expansion, taking on Tim Condon’s Cricketer’s Arms Hotel in Balmain with a long-time employee as partner.
The Cricketer’s Arms was established in 1872 and for many years served as host to the dockers and wharfies of the Peninsula and surrounds. In 1996 it underwent a major renovation, emerging as The Monkey Bar.
Condotel group took over the pub in 2015 and remodelled again, restoring its original moniker and reverting the street level to a traditional style pub, sporting big screens, Balmain’s best TAB and VIP lounge, and two upstairs function rooms.
Around half of the venue, on the lower level, became utilized as Italian restaurant One Ford Street, offering a contrast to the pub’s Balmain Burger Co. offering.
Veteran hotelier Tim Condon had since also taken on Rozelle’s Welcome Hotel, and was thinking about selling in Balmain.
30-year-old Tommy Hall has worked for Reilly for 10 years, and last year approached him about the idea of finding his own venue.
Reilly already holds Balmain’s London Hotel & Restaurant, and agreed with Condon to take on The Cricketer’s early in 2022.
But as experienced by much of the industry, Reilly reports the Christmas and January period was tough, with greatly diminished trading and government support completed. The lull soon made way for other widely experienced headaches, in supply, and in staffing, and a pattern of constant delays.
After months of negotiating moving parts, the deal was finalised this week and new leaseholder Hall is on the job.
“He’s 50 per cent owner with me on the business – but it’s more his than it is mine. He’s the hands-on operator, in there doing the hard yards,” says Reilly.
Short-term plans in the new hands bring a popup Chinese restaurant, with a noted chef, but the greater goal is to create a genuine sports, TAB and gaming bar destination.
Reilly notes his new business partner brings attributes that better the entire operation, and is glad to be giving him a foothold.
“It’s one of the toughest industries to break into,” he says. “What Tommy brings is service – he is hands down one of the best at it.
“We’re just tweaking the place … improving what’s already there and putting our bits and bobs to it.
“A shout out to Condo. He’s been very patient and accommodating, and good to us.”
Following some minor reconfigurations Hall is planning a welcoming party around the end of June.
Reilly believes people can always notice the difference when they walk into a hands-on operation and wants that to be what he can bring to all the group’s venues.
“We feel that’s what sets us apart. Other groups are too big, and they lose touch with the customer.
“We don’t. We know people by name. We’ll sit down and have a beer with them, and get involved at that level.”
