Rich Listers the Laundys are among a number of ultra-wealthy families and fund managers lining up to run a ruler over the legendary Oaks Hotel in Neutral Bay, which could break national records in the booming pub sector should it sell at its $175 million asking price.

The lower north shore pub in Sydney, where for decades locals have enjoyed a steak in the beer garden under an 80-year-old English oak tree, is just the latest in a long line of trophy watering holes to be offered to the market at eye-watering prices.