Third time lucky for Albion’s New Owner

Third time lucky for Albion’s New Owner

Well known Auckland landmark, the Albion Hotel, has changed hands once again.

Following a sale about 12 months ago to local entrepreneurs, the Hotel has recently been re-sold to experienced publican Mike McGurk by DTZ's Barry Collard.

Mr McGurk already owns seven pubs including the Riverhead Tavern and Penny Black in Auckland, the Brian Boru pub in Thames and the Spa in Taupo.

With plans to give the hotel a complete facelift already well underway, Mr McGurk says he has had his eye on the Albion for some time and has, in fact, tried to purchase the property on three previous occasions. “I am delighted that persistence has paid off and that I finally own the Albion. It’s a fabulous historic building and I am committed to restoring it to its former glory,” he says.

The Hotel occupies a prime corner site with street frontage to both Hobson Street and Wellesley Street West in Auckland’s CBD.

Constructed around 1880, the Albion is an older style character building comprising four floors plus basement.

The property, which has been untouched for around 30 years, is now undergoing major refurbishment. The main bar has already been re-done to include timber flooring throughout and a pressed steel ceiling replica in fibreglass. The basement is being transformed into the Albion Steakhouse Restaurant and the whole exterior of the building will be re-painted.

According to Mr McGurk the future of the licences premises trade in Auckland and NZ generally is good but he feels strongly that “nowadays the public expect something different, such as a historic building with character or a sports or theme type bar”.

He is confident that the prime position of the Albion, as well as its refurbishment, will add to its appeal as a licensed property in Auckland.

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