Barker Hotel in Adelaide Hills sold to family-run Hurley Hotel Group
One of the best-known – and oldest – pubs in the Adelaide Hills has been sold, with Mark Ricciuto taking a share.
SA News
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One of the Adelaide Hills’ oldest pubs has been sold to an SA family that operates multiple hotels across the state.
The Hurley Hotel Group has acquired the Barker Hotel, renown for its family friendly dinners, heritage timbers and original stonework that’s survived since it was built around 1840.
The acquisition of the Barker is in partnership with Adelaide Crows legend Mark Ricciuto and Hurley Hotel Group general manager Sam McInnes, who will also have a share.
Mr McInnes said his team planned no “immediate” changes to the hotel’s layout or operations and would continue to employ from within the community.
He said the Barker would complement the Hurley Group’s portfolio as a well presented, well-located hotel in one of the strongest growth areas of South Australia.
“The team are excited to be welcoming Barker Hotel to our portfolio,” he said.
“Mount Barker has seen significant growth in recent years and is fast becoming South Australia’s largest city outside of Adelaide, and we are thrilled to be a part of this boosting community.
“At this stage, we have no immediate plans to dramatically change the layout or operation of the hotel, we will focus on providing quality food, beverage, functions and gaming facilities, and continue to train and employ from the local community.”
Hurley Group runs nine hotels, including the iconic Arkaba on Glen Osmond, Hotel Royal, Marion and Torrens Arms
The acquisition of the Barker brings their total portfolio to ten. Settlement is expected to occur early next year.
Originally called the Scotch Thistle Inn, the Barker was the second hotel to be licensed in Mount Barker in 1846 and is the oldest surviving hotel in the town.
It was bought by Fassina family in 2003, who finished a major renovation on the pub in 2014.
In 2019, it won the AHA National Draught Beer Quality award.
Fassina Liquors founder Ross Fassina said it was a “sad day” and thanked his staff for their work.
“It’s been quite a ride for 21 years, but all good things come to an end,” Mr Fassina said.
“The family would very much like to thank our hardworking staff who give the hotel its warm inviting character. We are very grateful for the loyalty the staff have shown, some of which have been with the hotel since we started in 2003.
“Although it is a sad day for us, I am comforted that the Hurley Group will further develop the hotel working alongside our current staff.”
This acquisition is the first for the Hurley Hotel Group since 2019 when they acquired the Ivory Waterside in Tweed Heads.
The Hurley Group started work earlier this year on the Hotel Panorama, after the Tonsley Hotel was acquired by the state government under the Torrens to Darlington Road project.
“We look forward to getting to know the Mount Barker community and bringing our renowned customer service to the hotel,” Mr McInnes said.
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Originally published as Barker Hotel in Adelaide Hills sold to family-run Hurley Hotel Group
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