McDonald family to serve last drinks at The Manly Hotel after 51 years in charge

The family which has run one of the most popular pubs on Brisbane’s bayside will serve their last drinks as their long tenure comes to an end.

They have been serving baysiders for more than half a century but next week the legendary McDonald family will serve their last drinks at the iconic Manly Hotel.

The McDonald family’s tenure at the pub along the popular Cambridge Parade will end on September 30 as Australian hospitality giant, The Endeavour Group, takes over with plans to redevelop the venue, which opened its doors in 1955.

Current publican Sandy McDonald’s parents, Stewart and Dulcie, first took the keys to The Manly Hotel in 1970, where the pub became part of the heartbeat of the Manly Harbour Village.

Jenny Bradley, Doug McDonald and Sandy McDonald

They then handed the venue down to their three children in Jenny, Doug and Sandy.

Sandy McDonald said he was proud of all his family had achieved in their 51 years at the hotel.

The Manly Hotel in 1958.

“We haven’t even had time to think about the emotions of leaving this place because we’ve been too busy doing everything to hand it over,” he said.

“Obviously it’s a bit sad but it’s exciting times because we’ll still be involved a lot on the bayside through running the Manly Marina Cove Hotel and the Moreton Bay Discovery Centre.

Sandy McDonald from The Manly Hotel.

“We had a breakfast with all the staff yesterday, including staff who worked here around 40 years ago and that was amazing, we probably won’t have time to have an official farewell but we’re looking forward to the next era really.”

Mr McDonald said he thought his family would leave a lasting legacy at the venue.

“What our legacy is exactly is, I’m not sure is up for us to say, it’s probably up to the people we have served all these years,” he said.

The Manly Hotel.

“But we’ve tried to serve everyone as best we can and really be a big part of the bayside community, which I think we have done and I think the bayside is only going to continue to grow.”

Baysiders Jasmine Byron and Drew Hodges enjoy a beer at the Manly Hotel. (AAP Image/Renae Droop)

Mr McDonald became one of the key figures on the bayside during his time at the hotel and was recognised for his efforts by winning the Queensland Hotels Association Hotelier of the Year in 2013 and being acknowledged as a life member in 2016.

He also said one of his highlights was in 1982 when the Wynnum Manly Seagulls claimed their first premiership.

And McDonald said he hoped the Seagulls could win it again this year.