Oxford now with receiver
Oxford Hotel management insists it will be business as usual despite the pub’s holding company being placed in receivership last week.
The Oxford, along with three other prominent Sydney pubs owned by Tony Woodward -” the Vegas Hotel, Mansions and the Peakhurst Inn -” were forced into receivership owing more than $90 million to BankWest.
The bank appointed a receiver from the insolvency firm Ferrier Hodgson to investigate the pub’s financial situation and the prospect of it paying off its debt.
Oxford Hotel management cited the introduction of the 2am lock-out and changes to licensing conditions earlier this year as part of the reason for the pub’s financial difficulties.
It’s the whole kit and kaboodle of the licensing conditions, the fact that we can’t serve glass anymore, the 10 minute time out, the lock-out -” it’s all had an effect, CEO for the four pubs Jason Gavin told Sydney Star Observer.
Most of all the perception that this is a violent venue, when it’s not, has affected our revenue greatly. If we came off the lock-out list then revenue would go back up and it would become a level playing field.
There was little chance of closure, Gavin said, but called on the gay and lesbian community to show their support.
The venues aren’t being sold, they’re not being sold at all, he said unequivocally.
We’re working with the bank to improve the hotel and further the hotels in the group. But we need the support of the gay and lesbian community if we want to maintain it as a gay iconic hotel.
Couldnt have said it better Terry!
Unfortuntely its just another nail in the Oxford St coffin. The place is now more dangerous than it has ever been, it is riddled with drug users and drunk non tolerant youth.
The Sydney Gay social scene has shrunk to a point where there is very little left at all that caters for All…
Newtown is a lot safer (most of the time) but again with the loss of the Newtown Hotel – what a sad sight it is these days. there is very little left.
for a town that was once the Gay Mecca and a safe haven for many gays running away from persecution in other states we really have gone backwards
The loss of any gay & lesbian community venue is a cause for sadness. The Oxford has always been a gay and lesbian friendly place and there are some great memories for many of us. I for one will keep supporting it. Oliver, it’s queens like you that just bitch without positive actions that lead to the destructive nature of our community. I for one will continue to get out and be active to ensure the community stays vital. You just keep sitting at home on your bean bag and do what you do best – whine.
Oliver, I don’t think I said the world would come to an end. I said it would be a sad loss, and why that would be the case. Of course, it would only be a sad loss to a number of people, not everybody, and certainly not self-loathing, misanthropic queens.
Phil, I dont think the world will come to an end just because The Oxford is in Jeopardy.
The first time I went to the Oxford was back in ’89 to meet friends at the anti-Fred Nile rally (my coming out year). That was a great day. It was so crowded in the bar it took about half an hour to go in then come out of the bar because of the crowds. It was like a second Mardi Gras. Only by chance did I catch up with my friends. Nile, of course, hasn’t pulled a stunt like that since.
I think all gay bar’s/clubs are important for our community and I will always support each and every pub if ever there business is in jeopardy, regardless if its my “scene” or not, each place does have a different crowd from the other, that’s what so beautiful of the scene, there is always a place for everyone.
I disagree with you, Oliver. The Oxford is one of the last remaining bars for men in the area, while Will & Toby’s Supper Club upstairs has revitalised the Sydney cabaret scene with Trevor Ashley’s Sunday Showqueen series. So it would be a VERY sad loss if the whole place were to close, or to change direction and become another rough straight bar. Get out more before you make these pronouncements, lovey.
To be honest, its no sad loss. Just Sleaze.
To the Editor,
Is there more information on this storyline???
Yours truly,
Steve.