After announcing yesterday that the embattled Annandale Hotel will be ‘back up and running‘ today, former owners the Rule brothers have revealed that the fate of the ‘Dale is now in the hands of Ferrier Hodgson, the same receivers who took over Sydney’s Sandringham Hotel last year.
Earlier today Dan Rule informed The Music that although Ferrier Hodgson has now taken control of the Annandale, the receivers have vowed to keep the hotel operating as a live music venue:
“Ferrier Hodgson have come into the Annandale today and they want to keep live music at the hotel. We are working with them to ensure that live music does stay at this iconic Sydney venue.”
Rule also stated that current Annandale employees will be kept on, while continuing to champion live music:
“Existing staff and bookers are staying on at the hotel, while in stepping aside we wish the venue all the best for the future and urge Sydney music fans to continue to support live music.”
Annandale booker Mark Smither added that “everything’s looking positive” as the venue moves forward into an uncertain future. Tomorrow night The Smith Street Band will perform as scheduled.
As noted by Tone Deaf, today’s news sees the end of the Rule brothers’ ownership. The pair took over the beloved venue in 2000.
