Toowoomba’s Shamrock Hotel sells to NSW investors, set to undergo major transformation

It’s more than 100 years old and has served generations of Toowoomba residents. But this famous pub has seen better days, and it’s hoped new ownership will transform it.

Scott Williams, Australian Hotel brokers (left) and Geoff Percy, Ray White Commercial in the recently sold Shamrock Hotel. Wednesday, July 6, 2022. Picture: Nev Madsen.

A famous pub on the edge of the Toowoomba CBD has been snapped up by a group of investors, with the venue set to undergo a dramatic transformation.

The Shamrock Hotel on Ruthven Street, known as a popular and sometimes controversial watering hole for more than 130 years, has been sold through Ray White Commercial’s Geoff Percy and Australian Hotel Brokers’ Scott Williams.

While details on the purchase remain confidential, it’s understood the deal is in excess of the $5.05m sale of the property back in 2013.

The new owners include to investors from New South Wales and a local resident.

Scott Williams, Australian Hotel brokers (left) and Geoff Percy, Ray White Commercial in the recently sold Shamrock Hotel. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Mr Percy said the 18-month process to arrange the sale was worth it, citing the venue’s renovation potential.

“This has really got the best elements – it’s got accommodation, it’s got gaming and it’s got the food and the bar,” he said.

“It’s going to be a transformation over about six months.”

Mr Williams said the Shamrock was a “hidden gem” that could become a good addition to Toowoomba’s late night scene in the CBD.

“It’s close to the city with parking, which is a massive thing — I’ve talked to (other venues) and they’re all landlocked, parking is on the street and it’s a real issue,” he said.

The Shamrock Hotel Motel, Toowoomba.

“It is a hidden gem and it’s in the golden triangle of Toowoomba.

“The best thing you can have in competition is high-quality competition – you’ve got Fitzy’s, Tatts, the Rock, others and the Shamrock sits out here.”

It comes eight months after the previous owners lodged an application for a renovation, including potentially renaming it the “Ruthven St Tavern”.

The status of that approval is unclear.