Paddington Arms listed for sale

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 his 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. 

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.

Saleh said the sale of the Arms would enable him to focus on the other two venues, with a possible refurbishment in the new year.

Source: The Shout, 5 July 2013