Singleton’s Agricultural Hotel has sold to a Chinese investor, as long-time owners the Whathams exit the pub game.
The ‘Agi’, as it is known locally, has been owned by Allen and Sue Whatham for more than two decades, at times run by them, other times leased.
The pub is 30 minutes from the popular Hunter Valley vineyards, opposite Singleton train station, and open until midnight every night. It offers 26 accommodation rooms, boasting a complimentary continental breakfast and “great country hospitality”, alongside a gaming room with eight EGMs and bistro dining specialising in local produce.
A local’s pub, it sponsors a number of local sporting teams, such as the Agi Hops, the Do’ers, the Hotshots and Glendon Cricket Club.
Singleton was noticeably affected by the mining downturn, but has begun seeing a revival, bolstered by other Chinese investment in the area.
The purchase price of $1.45 million reflects a 12 per cent return.
“They looked at the hotel, decided, and exchanged two weeks’ later. They moved very quickly,” relayed Deane Moore of Moore & Moore Real Estate, who brokered the deal – his second pub transaction in the area in the past six months.
“Chinese investors have a few interests up there now.”
The unnamed buyer has not revealed plans for operation or the future of The Agi.
