Ross Ryan: Tributes after former owner of Manly’s Hotel Steyne dies

Tributes are flowing after the death of one of Sydney’s hotel industry icons, who was renowned for his generous support of community groups and sporting organisations.

Ross Ryan (centre) has a drink with loyal patrons at Manly’s Hotel Steyne just days before he handed over the keys to its new owners in August 2006. It was reported tat the beachside pub sold for $50m. Picture: Virginia Young

A former owner of Manly’s iconic beachfront Hotel Steyne has died.

Ross Ryan was the popular and generous publican when he and his wife, Britta, sold the venue in 2006.

Known to some locals as “The Steyne”, or “The Drain”, the landmark art deco pub had been in the Ryan family’s hands since 1972, when his parents, Harry and Shirley, bought the pub.

Mr Ryan took the reins when his father died of cancer in 1986. He then went on to buy the freehold from the Tooth’s brewery in 1990.

He is being remembered this week for his generosity in sponsoring local community groups and sporting organisations, including Manly’s three surf lifesaving clubs, to the tune of up to $200,000 a year.

Ross Ryan (left) donated $20,000 for equipment and training programs to Manly Life Saving Club in 2002. Picture: Carmela Roche

Mr Ryan also put his hand in his pocket to support rugby league and union sides.

The Manly Savers Rugby Club regularly held its grand final celebrations at the hotel.

In 2004, the pub won the outstanding community service award at the Australian Hotels Association Awards for Excellence.

In a Facebook post, the Manly Savers Rugby Club remembered Mr Ryan, who, “through his family’s hotel … formed the cornerstone for many community and sporting groups through support and generous sponsorships”.

“For many years, Ross would sponsor the Savers and act as host at our beloved hotel for celebrations, particularly the three or so days of madness after a grand final win (of which we enjoyed many).

Manly Savers Rugby players having a get together with publican and sponsor Ross Ryan (blue shirt) before a grand final in September 2004. Picture: Virginia Young

“Even after the sale of the Steyne, Ross still supported the Savers, and his example has helped form the partnership between the Steyne and the Savers which has spanned decades.”

In their own Facebook post, the current owners of the Steyne said they were “deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Ross Ryan, an icon of the industry”.

“Passed down from his father Harry Ryan, Ross’s legacy at Hotel Steyne will always be touched on,” the pub’s post said.

“Under his stewardship, Hotel Steyne became the heart of the Manly community providing support to local charities and sporting groups, which we’ve continued and built upon today.”

Mr Ryan and other Manly publicans famously took on Manly Council in a legal fight over closing hours in 2005, when it wanted the pub to close its doors at 2am.

Ross Ryan (left) and Ian Rolfe at opening of the 2001 rugby season at the Pacific Park Royal Hotel in Manly in March 2001. Picture: Joe Murphy

Two years earlier, the Steyne had received Land and Environment Court approval to operate its new rooftop bars 24 hours a day. The pub was also the first in the state to receive a 24-hour licence for its ground floor bars.

It was rumoured that Mr Ryan had managed to sell The Steyne in 2006 to millionaire former bookmaker Bruce McHugh for more than $50m.

Mr Ryan told the Manly Daily in the days before he handed over the keys that the decision to sell had been gut-wrenching.

“The Steyne has been a major part of my life, just about all my life really,’’ he said.

“While it’s time for a break, I’ll still be around. I’ll be still down there for a drink.”