NEW AGE DAWNS FOR
old favourite The Subiaco Hotel is preparing to open its doors after a 12-month rejuvenation process. Gail Williams talks to its new owners. Images MATT JELONEK
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24 EXPLORE SUBIACO
lunch, visiting celebrities, colourful entrepreneurs and a legion of die-hard faithful locals. So, it’s no wonder the beloved old gal, the Subi Hotel, was feeling a little bit jaded when – after five decades at the helm – lease holders Judy and Michael Monaghan called time. Along came Dave Allen and Lawson Douglas, two energetic young guns who were itching to revitalise one of their favourite watering holes from their student days. Not only do they share a passion for history and hospitality, they also know how to pull a perfect
pub is the backbone of the community. It is the third space, after home and the coffee shop where people feel at home. After a worldwide increase in pubs closing down they are now enjoying a renaissance. We love heritage buildings like the Subi and this will be a great meeting place for locals and now that we have given
IMAGE Curtin University Library Summerhayes Collection
sh . . . Subi! Psst! Quiet please! There’s a grand old lady about to retake centre stage on the corner of Hay Street and Rokeby Road. And she deserves your respect because this ain’t any old lady. This one’s been around for 123 years. She was pouring pints for thirsty timber workers when Queen Victoria was on the throne and serving sherries in her ladies parlour before Edmund Barton became Australia’s first Prime Minister. She’s played host to emerging rock bands, dart competitions, ladies who
pint and connect with their customers – part of the job description for any publican. They’ve worked that formula successfully at other historic pubs – the Rose Hotel in Bunbury, the Exchange in Kalgoorlie and their most recent venture, the Treendale Farm Hotel in Australind. Says Douglas: “The
