Chris Thomas is homing in on potential in Sydney’s north shore, submitting plans for a new pub in the centre of Crows Nest, to be called the Royal Crow Hotel.
Thomas Hotels operates two-dozen hotels across greater Sydney, from Parramatta’s Commercial to the Canterbury Hotel in the south, the Monkey Bar nearby in Chatswood and several in the CBD, including The Republic, bought in 2024 out of the failing Virtical portfolio.
TH Investments P/L (Crows Nest) lodged a Development Application with North Sydney Council 12 August for a project at 7-11 Clarke St, opposite Crows Nest Metro, that would upgrade an existing building built in 1962. If approved the works are estimated to cost $3.03 million, creating a pub with 527sqm of licensed floor space.
The lower level will have capacity for 250 patronsin a sports bar, plus a gaming room. The plan of management proposes entertainment courtesy of an ‘ambient DJ’ or live duo. The upper level will have a commercial kitchen and bistro and the same patron capacity, for a total of 500-pax.
Looking to operating hours of 5am-midnight, the Royal Crow will join established hotels ALH’s Crows Nest, on arterial Falcon Street, which trades until 3am, and The Stoned Crow on Willoughby Road. The DA suggests the new pub will complement and contribute to the suburb’s late-night economy.
The affluent precinct is eyeing circa 6k new homes and more than 2k jobs in the coming decade, moving ahead with transit-oriented development reforms encouraging mixed-use, high-density works, and the submission poses the pub is “well placed to serve” the expanding population.
“We saw real potential in this location and the opportunity it presents,” explains Harry Loebenstein, group marketing manager for Thomas Hotels.
“Crows Nest is a fantastic part of the Lower North Shore, home to a real, close-knit local community, and we’re excited to invest in the Royal Crow Hotel – a purpose-built venue that adds something meaningful to the area.”
A social impact assessment with the Application argues the Royal Crow will have a net positive social impact, set to be a “third place” – characterised as somewhere for regular clientele, providing opportunity for ongoing familiar connections – that will cater to future residents and workers in the local community.
“This project reflects our long-term commitment to Crows Nest, and we’re looking forward to becoming part of the community and contributing to its future for years to come,” adds Loebenstein.
