Laundy Hotels power couple Shane and Danielle Richardson are splashing out more than $3 million to upgrade iconic Sydney pub the Watson’s Bay Hotel.
The pair, who run the Sydney operations of the 90 venues in the Laundy pub and hotel group, are leading the renovation of the Watsons Bay Hotel.
Work is underway to transform the top and mid deck of the pub into an events space. The investment is expected to significantly grow the venue’s events business, with work expected to be completed by October.
Danielle Richardson, who is the daughter of publican Arthur Laundy, brings experience from the supplier side of the drinks industry with a resume that includes roles at Campari, Carlton and United Breweries and Coca-Cola Amatil.
Meanwhile, Shane Richardson was the Managing Director of Coca-Cola Amatil’s Alcohol & Coffee division until 2019, where he led the company’s growth in the spirits and coffee sectors and was a key figure in the acquisition of Feral Brewing.
The new look at the Watson’s Bay Hotel, by design studio Etic Design, is inspired by Hamptons style with the space featuring crisp whites, soft textures, and sweeping harbour views.
“I’ve gained a lot of understanding on the importance of brand, food and beverage trends and the importance of delivering not just a product but an experience,” Danielle told the Australian Financial Review.
The Laundy family fully acquired the hotel two years ago, following the purchase of the remaining half share from Fraser Short.
“It will be popular with locals as a bar because it’s stylish and beautiful. It will be a premier location for both tourists and locals,” Danielle told The Australian.
As for the rest of the venues she oversees with her husband, Danielle said: “We are still trading very well on a year to date basis, still on an upward trend for our food and beverage. We have put so much effort into food and beverage over the last five years, we are reaping the benefit.”
“It will be an awesome summer, we can’t wait.”
Danielle’s father took over the family business in his twenties when his father died in a light plane crash. He has grown the group from two pubs in 1969 to more than 40 – an empire now worth $1.75 billion, which put him at no. 94 on this year’s Financial Review Rich List.
Arthur Laundy, who recently turned 84, told The Australian he plans to leave the business equally to his four children when he retires from the hospitality business.
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