In April, we reported that the golden-brick Hollywood Hotel, the corner pub wedging Foster and Hunt streets in Surry Hills, was to go on the market. Many feared that this would spell the end of days for the long-standing pub, whose prime corner location and proximity to many of the city's best bars could make it a target for developers looking to turn its rough edges into rounded, pastel-hued corners.
Now, it looks the famous hotel might live to draw another breath. A bidding war which kicked off after the institution was put on sale for the first time in 42 years has resulted in the pub being bought by a private family, who plan on still operating it as a pub. The ultimate buyer beat out bidders like Merivale's Justin Hemmes, publican Stuart Laundy and even Russell Crowe.
Formerly under the proprietorship of notable publican, actress and cabaret performer Doris Goddard, the Hotel Hollywood was a meeting ground and watering hole for locals and international rock stars alike (it was the Foo Fighter's home base during their national tour). On weekends, the corner pub filled with rambunctious dancing and boozing, and shapes cut and reflected in the mirrored disco ball that took the pride of place in its front room. Many were drawn to the old-school, unpretentious energy of the place – as well by Goddard herself, who was known for serenading patrons outside with her ukulele, until her death in 2019.
According to the Herald, "pub industry sources" pointed to the Petersen Group as the buyer of the property, for around $10 million. The Petersen Group operates venues like CBD restaurant Riley St Garage and Paddington's the Village Inn. Here's hoping we haven't seen the last of this Surry Hills fixture.