Hospitality giant, Endeavour Group, to take over The Manly Hotel in October

Australia’s largest hotel and pub operator is set to replace a legendary family in charge of the Manly Hotel, with massive plans for the future.

An Australian hospitality giant is set to replace a legendary bayside family as they take charge of an iconic Brisbane hotel with massive plans in store for the venue’s future.

The Endeavour Group, who own brands such as BWS, ALH Hotels, Dan Murphy’s and more, will take over The Manly Hotel on October 1 as the McDonald family’s 51-year tenure running the pub comes to an end.

The Manly Hotel.

President of the Manly Harbour Village, David Farley, said the Endeavour Group had signed a new 50-year lease to run the venue, which first opened in 1955.

“The largest pub and hotel operator in Australia sees The Manly Hotel as a potential jewel in their extensive hotel holding,” he said.

David Farley, from Manly Harbour Village. Picture: Peter Cronin

“Extensive renovations and upgrading is being planned with all the existing staff being offered ongoing positions.

“A great outcome for the Manly Harbour Village and the bayside.”

Sandy McDonald’s last day at The Manly Hotel will be on September 30.

Stewart and Dulcie McDonald first took over the stewardship of the hotel on Cambridge Pde in 1970 before later handing it down to their three children in Jenny, Doug and Sandy.

But the McDonald family said they started thinking about leaving more than a year ago with the owners of the property deciding to go in a different direction.

Hospitality giant, the Endeavour Group, will take over The Manly Hotel on October 1.

Sandy McDonald had won several awards while in charge of The Manly Hotel, including the Queensland Hotels Association Hotelier of the Year in 2013 and was acknowledged as a life member in 2016.

Mr McDonald also said his involvement in the bayside community wouldn’t stop on September 30 with his family still running the Manly Marina Cove Hotel and involved in several other local projects, including the Moreton Bay Discovery Centre.