The Redfern Hotel in Sydney’s inner south has changed hands in an off-market transaction worth more than $20 million, marking another significant sale within the city’s busy pub market.
Sale Details In Redfern
The venue was sold by hospitality operator Martin Short through his company, Welcome Hospitality, to a local family-run business. The two-storey property, located at 106 George Street in Redfern, was originally purchased in 2016 for $6 million under Redfern & George Investments Pty Ltd, with Short and business partner Ben Shaw listed as directors.
The sale was brokered by HTL Property’s Andrew Jolliffe, Dan Dragicevich and Sam Handy, who have overseen several high-profile hotel transactions across Sydney in recent months. The deal reflects strong demand for established inner-city pubs, particularly those offering diversified revenue streams.
Venue History And Refurbishment
The Redfern Hotel has long been part of the suburb’s historic streetscape. It was first developed in 1853 as the Royal Albert Hotel and later became known as the Court House Hotel. A major refurbishment was completed in 2017, during which three retail tenancies were removed to expand the bar and dining area, strengthening its position as a key local venue.
Today, the pub features a large ground-floor bar with more than 26 beers on tap, an upstairs sports lounge, and 16 gaming machines. It generates about $6 million annually across its food, beverage and gaming operations.
Welcome Hospitality Portfolio
The Redfern formed part of Welcome Hospitality’s broader network of pubs across New South Wales. The group’s Sydney holdings include The Royal Oak Hotel in Double Bay and the Gregory Hills Hotel, while regional venues include the Moonee Beach Hotel, Sawtell Hotel, Toormina Hotel and Moss Vale Hotel. The company also recently acquired the leasehold to Billy Barry’s Hotel in North Sydney for $12 million.
Market Outlook
According to HTL Property, limited stock availability and continued access to funding are sustaining strong interest in the hospitality sector. The firm expects these conditions to continue into and beyond 2026, as investor confidence in well-performing pubs remains solid.
Family Legacy
Short’s role in the hospitality industry continues a long-standing family tradition. His sister, Paris Ballantyne, is chief executive of W. Short Hospitality, and the family previously owned the Seabreeze Beach Hotel in South West Rocks, which was sold in 2023 for $32 million.
The sale of The Redfern Hotel marks another milestone for the family business, underscoring ongoing activity within Sydney’s established pub market.
Published 15-Oct-2025
