Pubs (and Frank Strongs)

Pubs have been a part of my life since 2006. Once I got behind the bar, I quickly became aware of the passion and skillset I had, eventually becoming the Publican of my hometown pub at age 22. From there I went on to run and own some of the most recognised Pubs in Sydney. Here's a few of the best.

The Lord Gladstone Hotel (2015-2025)

Founded in 2015 by myself and Pub mogul Paddy Coughlan, "The Gladdy" is a cultural icon within the Sydney pub and live music scene. In August 2025 I sold my share in the pub to pursuit other endeavours, leaving a legacy of community focused events, grassroots live music, creatives and hosting countless culturally significant moments and events. I was also lucky enough to host the Swannies Mad Monday celebrations for the entire duration I woned the pub.

@CHIPPOLORD

Frank Strongs (2017-2020)

FS never fully took off for three main reasons:

1. We tried to make a lifestyle brand by throwing parties first and getting it stocked second.

2. We were well and truly too ahead of the “Near Beer” and Seltzer boom.

3. We needed to go back to focusing on the three pubs we had at the time (Gladdy, Lady, BVH)

But what a wild ride it was. From branding concepts, the constant tweaking of the recipe, getting mates with platforms to drink it, throwing parties across the state/country to the production process of both cans and kegs, FS was a learning experience like no other.

@FRANKSTRONGS

The Botany View Hotel (2017-2019)

The live music local.

God damn I loved the locals at this pub, who sat at The Table of Knowledge and were in the pub at 1 minute to Happy Hour and out of the pub as soon as the footy finished.

The upstairs renno that changed the entire dynamic of the pub, opening it up and making it a destination for any and every private function, community focused gathering.

THE BVH

The Lady Hampshire Hotel (2016-2018)

The only pub we got wrong.

Which I am happy to admit, as hindsight is a wonderful thing!

We tried to replicate The Gladdy in the next suburb over. With the idea to make it the late-late night spot (5am license), when realistically we should have been servicing the local, younger families in the area. Focusing on a more traditional, easily accessible schedule of daily and nightly attractions with day time weekend events running along side major live sporting matches.

Think something along the lines of The Henson in Marrickville.

THE LADY

Vic On The Park Hotel (2012-2015)

This was my first gig as Licensee of a pub in Sydney.

This Inner West Monolith had just been bought by Riversdale Group and was set for the overhaul renno which the pub is known for today.

The back deck, outdoor kitchen, basketball court and it's reputation for some of Sydney's most iconic carpark events all happened under my tenure at The Vic.

Running this pub was a pivotal moment in my career. It's where I met a majority of Sydney's most highly touted and up and coming musicians and was involved in some of the most unique events to this date.

Click the image next to me for one of the most random articles I have ever had the pleasure of featuring in.

DMAs
ODS
YOUAMI
THE VINES
ENMORE SUPER DOG

Kinselas/LOFI/Johnny Wongs/The Standard (2010-2012)

The first venue(s) I worked at when I moved to Sydney, and what a learning experience it was!

Starting as a cellar-man/duty manager on the ground floor of Kinselas, I made my way to Bar Manager of LOFI/Johnny Wongs on the first floor. Within a year I was 2IC of the entire venue, with the emergence of The Standard. An incredibly fast paced, multi-faceted venue, on a regular basis we would have three entirely different crowds across the three levels.

Having this monolith under my belt as the place where I began my Sydney hospitality journey, is a testament to the wide array of skills I learnt and ability to handle high pressure situations.

LOFI
Johnny Wongs
The Standard
The Standard Bowl