Albany’s historic Premier Hotel set to open doors this week for the first time since arson attack in 2016

The long wait for first drinks at the redeveloped Premier Hotel is finally over as the new management prepares to open the doors this week. The 130-year-old Premier Hotel was gutted by fire in 2016 in an arson scam that landed five men in jail. However, after a long and detailed $4 million redevelopment, new licensees Danae Witherow and Andrew Rodgers will proudly open the venue to the public this week. After taking on “The Prem” in December last year, the couple have been putting the finishing touches on the historic building that features two long bars, a dining area and wraparound balcony overlooking York Street. The second floor of the venue has been transformed into a suave cocktail and whisky bar to be known as Bar 1891 — a nod to when the venue was built. The hotel has new furniture, but they have maintained some of the history of the building, with archive photographs adorning the walls. Mr Rodgers said he was delighted to have the beloved pub ready to open for the June long weekend in time for the historic Albany Classic Around the Houses event. “The Prem is back — she is up and running,” he said. “It will have been six months since we took it on. “We haven’t got all of what we wanted inside but we have got most of it. “There are other things that we wanted but with COVID we couldn’t do it, but we have a few other things ordered that will arrive and pop up in the weeks to come. “Bar 1891 is my favourite place and there is a great link to the town and the Around the Houses race with our racing corner.” Alan Murtagh has been employed as manager of the hotel. Mr Rodgers said opening hours would be 11am to late and the venue would initially be open for lunch and dinner. “We are only looking after it, this girl belongs to the town,” he said. “She has been here since the 1800s so I think they have all missed it. “We’ve tried to give it a few tweaks and give a bit more of an experience for people when they come.” Ms Witherow said they had made an effort to use local businesses to help complete the fit-out. “We have gone local for our furniture and fit-out,” she said. “Getting staff, we have been pleasantly surprised that it’s been a good process. “Because it’s a well known venue and it’s brand new, that’s been an attraction for most people and everyone has been positive about being part of the team to get her back up and and going. “All the tradies and people that have done work here have been awesome.”