By Clyde Mooney – editor Australian Hotelier 

Prominent Sydney hotel the Paddington Arms has come on the market in a consolidation of the current operator’s pub holdings. 

Joe Saleh, who along with celebrity chef Colin Fassnidge also runs the nearby Four In Hand pub and 4Fourteen Restaurant, told TheShout the Paddington Arms doesn’t fit the duo’s business model.

Saleh said the high-profile nature of the other venues are affecting locals’ expectations at the Arms. 

“People expect the food and the service, and we have a standard to adhere to which we won’t drop, but we don’t get the prices.”

Meanwhile, the owner of the Paddington Arms freehold has put the asset on the market. Both he and Saleh decided it would be best marketed as a vacant tenancy. [continued below]

The hotel sale is being brokered by Gerry Quinlan of Manenti Quinlan and Adam Spencer-Carr of Oxford Hotels estate agents.  

“It’s a fantastic building, whoever buys it will do very well. If you came in here without our profile you’d be able to cut wages and save a bucketload,” said Saleh.

Beyond his commitments at the Four In Hand and 4Fourteen, Fassnidge has taken on media engagements that have seen him spending more time in television studios and less in kitchens. 

Saleh confirmed the sale of the Arms would give himself and Fassnidge the chance to focus on their core businesses and optimising those opportunities. 

“We planning to consolidate until the end of the year and just concentrate on the two venues, with a possible refurb in the new year.” 

For this and more information on pubs on the market, visit TheShout’s Pub Sales page.