Favoured Double Bay haunt on the market

THE sale of one of Sydney Jewry’s favourite watering holes will not necessarily herald any significant changes, according to the vendor.

Hospitality management company Solotel is selling Double Bay’s Golden Sheaf Hotel, but will offer to continue managing it on behalf of its purchaser, said a spokesperson for agent Jones Lang LaSalle.

Media reports have suggested Solotel, which is headed by businessman and Jewish Labour Forum founder Bruce Solomon, could get $80 million for the hotel.

Solomon is selling the Sheaf to focus on Bar Sydney, a proposed joint venture with celebrity chef Matt Moran to be located in the new Westfield Sydney complex, and is also looking at at an opportunity in New York City.

“I am excited at the challenge of establishing a visionary project in the Manhattan hospitality space, and with a number of my family members currently residing in New York, the ideal time to pursue that challenge will arrive over the next two years or so,” he said.

Opened in 1936, the heritage-listed Golden Sheaf Hotel is popular among younger members of the Jewish community, particularly on Wednesday and Saturday nights.

Regular patron Barry Dubovsky, 23, said he was waiting to see what would happen after the sale.

“It depends what’s really going to be affected, how much it’s going to be different,” he said. “If they’re going to close it, it will be quite disappointing.”

Another patron, Carly Levin, 23, said: “I think the Sheaf will always remain a place where people can get together to socialise.

“I hope the new owners don’t change things too much and it continues to have a relaxed and laid-back vibe.”

Jewish organisations such as United Israel Appeal, Hagshama, Jewish National Fund, Studio Central, Network, Fusion and J-Junction have all held community events at the Sheaf.

Solotel currently owns 16 hotels, including Opera Bar, the Clock Hotel in Surry Hills, Newtown’s Courthouse Hotel, the Paddington Inn and the Robin Hood Hotel in Waverley.

The business also has a stake in four restaurants, including Aria in Sydney and Brisbane.

GARETH NARUNSKY