John Thorpe: ‘Harbord Hilton's’ popular former owner dies aged 80

John Thorpe — a two-time president of the Australian Hotels Association NSW and the popular former owner of one Sydney’s “greatest pubs” — has died following a battle with illness.

John Thorpe, former owner of Harbord Beach Hotel, has died. He was 80. Picture: Carmela Roche

The popular and passionate former owner of one of the northern beaches’ favourite pubs has died.

John Thorpe AM, who for decades ran the landmark Harbord Beach Hotel — known to the locals as the “Harbord Hilton” – died on Thursday after a long illness.

Mr Thorpe was 80.

As well as managing his pub, Mr Thorpe was a strong and vocal advocate for the hotel industry, especially in NSW.

John Thorpe and Trish King at the Harbord Beach Hotel celebrating the pubs 33rd birthday. Picture: Manly Daily

Described as a “giant” of the industry, the no-nonsense publican served two terms as president of Australian Hotels Association NSW, between 1993 and 1995 and again between 1999 and 2008. He was also a former national president of the association.

Mr Thorpe, who trained in hotel management at the Hilton Hotel in Hong Kong, sold the Harbord Hilton, described by industry insiders as one of Sydney’s “greatest pubs” earlier this year to real estate figure Glenn Piper after more than 40 years owning and living at the pub.

He and his partner Trish King began owner-operating the iconic hotel near Freshwater Beach in 1978.

John Thorpe loved the Harbord Beach Hotel and loved Freshwater. Picture: John Grainger

Mr Thorpe’s son, Sean King, who managed the hotel for close to 30 years alongside his parents, said his dad was “passionate about the pub, passionate about Freshwater” and passionate about the industry as a whole.

He was the patron of Freshwater Surf Club, Valley United Junior Rugby League Football Club and the Friends of Freshwater community group.

“He was Harbord and Freshwater through and through,” Mr King told the Manly Daily.

Mr King said his dad loved being behind the bar and had a special relationship with his customers.

“Dad always said the customer was “king”.

“His motto was “if serving your fellow man is beneath you, then you’re in the wrong industry”.

“He loved having a laugh. He would come upstairs laughing about the experiences that night.

“He had a great friendship with everyone. They all knew his name.

The landmark Harbord Beach Hotel — Harbord Hilton — was sold earlier this year. Picture: Troy Snook

“One of his favourite sayings was that he ‘spilt more than most people drank’.

“I’ve had calls from all over the world, from people from all walks of life.”

Mr King said his dad always said he wanted to die at his hotel.

“He wanted to take his last breath there, but due to his ill health, he couldn’t stay on.”

The current head of the AHA NSW and national president, Scott Leach, said the industry was mourning Mr Thorpe’s death.

John Thorpe and Trish King with some of their long serving staff in 2015. Picture: Manly Daily

He said Mr Thorpe had changed the face of the hotel sector.

“The hotel industry has today lost a true legend,” Mr Leach said.

“Mr Thorpe was a giant of the industry in every way. A true Aussie character who liked a beer and a punt, John lived and breathed hotels. He will be sorely missed and our thoughts go out to Trish and family at this sad time.”

A private funeral has been organised.