Overview
The Lord Gladstone has been sold. But locals and lovers of the Chippendale stalwart can rest assured that it won't be changing — too much. Owner Paddy Coughlan has sold the business to his long-time business partner Benny Johnson and the bar's second-in-command Mitchell Crum.
While The Forresters owner George Kazzi has bought the physical building, Johnson and Crum now own the Lord Gladstone name. Which means, according to Johnson, "you now have the two head guys at Lord Gladstone actually running the business".
The duo isn't planning to veer too far from the pub's relaxed, good-times-for-all ethos, just expand on it. "I've been there since inception and nothing will dramatically change." says Johnson. "We just plan on activating all the spaces a lot more often."
They include the upstairs art gallery Goodspace, which will host more regular events and intimate live music gigs going forward. Expect hip hop and punk garage acts to take to the stage in the upcoming months. First off the bat is an after party for Indigenous Australian rapper Briggs this Thursday, May 30, from 11pm, after his Vivid show at the Sydney Opera House.
There are also plans to amp up the venue's party vibes, with Johnson currently in talks with local promoters. A full lineup is slated for June — though, exact party details are being kept under wraps for now. Crum will also bring his experience from the Oxford Art Factory and Redfern Surf Club into the mix, aiming to turn The Gladdy into more of a late-night destination.
Goodspace Gallery
In the kitchen, Head Chef Joseph Luamanu (The Carter, Pub Life Kitchen) will be turning out a menu inspired by the American South. While it's still being finalised, and won't be rolled out until early June, expect the likes of sriracha and maple-glazed chicken wings, chorizo and prawn jambalaya and a vegan roasted cauliflower in coconut curry. Existing pub classics like the cheeseburger and schnitty won't be going anywhere, either.
As far as drinks go, the Gladdy will continue to cater to a wide ranging crowd. "We're a pretty traditional-style pub in that sense," says Johnson. "We're not trying to specifically target natural wine or craft beer drinkers."
Johnson has been working closely with the Gladstone's former owner Coughlan for the past four years, with the duo also opening The Lady Hampshire (which Coughlan sold last year) and the Botany View Hotel together. Coughlan will now focus on his remaining pub — which earned an impressive revamp in 2017 — and his alcoholic lemonade business, Frank Strongs.
As for the Gladstone, it will (mostly) be business as usual. "We want locals to know that The Gladdy is in good hands and it will continue to kick on with the same vibe," says Johnson. "Just expect a breath of fresh air from the guys who have been here from the start."
Find The Lord Gladstone at 115 Regent Street, Chippendale. It's open from 11am–11pm Monday–Tuesday, 11am–midnight Wednesday, 11am–3am Thursday–Saturday and midday–10pm Sunday. Keep an eye on its Facebook page for upcoming events.
Images: Chris Loutfy.