There will soon be a changing of the guard at WA’s oldest pub, with a new tenant set to take over the lease of the Albany Hotel in July.
Perth-based owner Russell Poliwka bought the hotel in 1990 and first put it up for sale in 2022, at a price of $2.95 million.
In the past year Mr Poliwka said he received multiple offers to sell but ultimately decided he would rather keep the “old girl” and instate a new tenant to run it.
“I think if I’d have sold it, I would have felt a bit empty,” he said.
“It’s a privilege and few pubs have the history of the Albany Hotel.”
Built in 1852 by James Cooper, the heritage-listed pub markets itself as the State’s oldest still-licensed hotel, with records showing the site held a liquor licence as far back as 1836.
In its 170-plus year history, the York Street watering hole has been known by the name Horse and Groom Inn, Freemasons Hotel, the Old Stone Jug, and the Sportsmans Hotel.
Along with it’s iconic two-storey facade, the venue retains its original brick fireplace, pressed tin and timber bar, 10 rooms and a snippet from a guest book where in 1900, soon-to-be US president Herbert Hoover wrote: “Not dead, but sleeping”.
These days the pub is known for its wide variety of skimpy bartenders and alfresco terrace where those enjoying an early knock-off can enjoy a pint in the sunshine.
Mr Poliwka hopes the new tenants will restore it to its “original glory” when they take over on July 1 while giving the venue their own spin.
“Once owning a pub was a gold mine, but now it’s a tough and a competitive industry,” he said.
“Hospitality is a tough gig especially with wages and the cost of living, transport, food, all that stuff so I’m hoping the new people will make a good go of it.
“I’m hoping that when I have a look in September the town will be proud.
“I’d like for them to open up straight away but we won’t really get a result until September, getting it back to where it was and bringing back its history.”
Current publican Neville Walton, who has stewarded the venue since 2017, is set to finish up on June 30.
While remaining tight-lipped about who exactly the new lessees were, Mr Poliwka let slip that they are an Albany local.
“It’s a well-known local publican who is hugely experienced in hospitality,” he said.
“I chose to lease it out to people that I can relate to, local people who can skilfully run it and have a clear understanding of what I want.
“I think I’ve left it in someone’s hands who will bring it back to something Albany people will be proud of.
“We’ll keep this old girl running along and make her look a bit younger and prettier than she used to be.”
