Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall to reopen under new owner

A company that runs Jamie Oliver branded restaurants and several high-profile clubs and pubs has taken over a troubled music venue in inner Brisbane

THE team behind Finn McCool’s pubs, Retro’s Cocktail Lounges and Jamie Oliver branded restaurants in Australia are set revive troubled Caxton St venue Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall.

Hallmark Group Holdings has signed a deal to run the historic venue although an opening date has yet to be announced and it’s unknown whether the name will be retained.

The company will add the venue to its impressive catalogue of pubs, clubs and eateries that include Jamie Oliver’s Pizzeria and Jamie’s Italian, Asylum (formerly Shooters) on the Gold Coast.

After being closed for a few months, Lefty's Old Time Music Hall is set to reopen after a well known company took over the lease. Picture: Darren Cartwright

Hallmark Group was contacted for comment and said they were not ready to release any details regarding the opening, refurbishments and the future of Lefty’s as a live music venue.

Caxton Street traders have told The Courier-Mail they were relieved a well-known company had taken over Lefty’s and it would help revive the precinct ahead of the upcoming NRL season.

The signing comes after Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall, which was run by Arklow Pty Ltd, suddenly closed in November with alleged debts totalling more than $170,000.

In December 2018, the creditors of a company that formerly operated Lefty’s were allegedly owed more than $760,00 when it was tipped into liquidation.

Steve Seung locked the doors to the Caxton St restaurant Enzo and Sons, Petrie Terrace and is now looking for a new leasee. Picture: Liam Kidston.

The sole director of Arklow Pty Ltd was Glenn Gration who was also the director of the two companies that were the licensees for neighbouring Caxton St venues Ruby Tramp and Enzo & Sons.

Both Ruby Tramp and Enzo & Sons closed before Christmas as well.

Enzo & Sons landlord Steve Seung told The Courier-Mail that he tired of sending rental payment demands to Mr Gration before he changed the locks in late November.

He said he was owed more than $48,000 in rent although that was offset by a bond he was holding for $27,500.

“He was my first tenant at Enzo’s. It was a bad first experience,” Mr Seung said.

Arklow Pty Ltd was the subject of a $160,000 civil lawsuit filed in the Brisbane’s District Court in May by an employment services consultants which is still before the courts.

Glenn Gration, the director of companies behind three Caxton St venues, said he had a plan to revitalise the entertainment precinct. Pic: Facebook

Mr Gration has been contacted for comment in relation to the alleged debts and also a claim by Brisbane independent Revel Brewing Co that they are also owed money.

Co-owner Matthew Flexman told The Courier-Mail they were owed about $3,000 which “hurt their cashflow” and would be written off as a bad debt.

“We’re only little guys and it hurt us pretty significantly,” Mr Flexman said.

Not-for-profit Blues Association of South East Queensland (BASEQ) also claims a number of Brisbane musicians have yet to be paid.

BASEQ president Paulette Steele said they had received just $162.50 of $650 that has been owed since May.

Last year Mr Gration told The Courier-Mail they were working to resolve all outstanding payments including the outstanding money owed to BASEQ.

“We are working with all parties to resolve all payment issues and focusing on rebuilding the businesses and regenerating the Caxton Street precinct,” he said.

He also said that they were contesting the lawsuit filed by Tribe Workforce.

“There is an ongoing dispute regarding allegations of overcharging,” Mr Gration told The Courier-Mail last week. “Both parties are in negotiations to resolve the matter.”

Neue director Dean Brosnan and electrician Lyle Rodgers outside Enzo and Son's in Caxton St. They allege they are owed $13,000 Picture: Darren Cartwright

Mr Gration claimed that the businesses suffered a setback when alcohol and cash went missing earlier this year.

“Management is in the process of contacting every supplier of Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall and Enzo’s to ensure all outstanding invoices are paid and encourages anyone who believes they are owed money to contact them,” he said.

“All current suppliers are being paid immediately on delivery.”

Lightcore director Dean Brosnan and Lyle Rodgers from UPLEC Solutions allege they are collectively owed $13,000 for work performed at Enzo & Sons and Ruby Tramp last year.