194-208 York Street, Albany
Ph: (08) 9800 1803
www.premierhotelalbany.com.au
A Slice of Albany History
The Premier Hotel in Albany is a heritage-listed building located in the heart of the southern coastal town. This beautiful two-storey brick building, with its arched windows and grand balcony, has stood on the corner of York and Grey Street since 1891. It was the third hotel built in Albany, one of the two remaining.
Over the years, the Premier Hotel has changed hands several times.
Richard R Burridge acquired the hotel in 1912 with licensee, Marcus A O’Grady.
Following Burridge’s death in 1928, the hotel was sold to William Harper for £6,550 at auction in 1929. Harper was also the licensee of the Freemason’s Hotel located on Stirling Terrace. He outbid the then licensee of the Premier Hotel, Alf Martin. At the time, the hotel had 20 bedrooms, a sitting and dining room, offices and two large bar areas.
In 1930 the hotel was put on the market again advertised as having 26 bedrooms, bars, dining room, commercial rooms, bathrooms, hot water service and electric lighting installed, and sewered throughout.
WA Schurer, who had previously owned the London Hotel in Albany purchased the Premier in 1936 and put it back on the market in 1950.
Following a fire in 2016, the hotel underwent extensive restoration and renovations to reopen mid-2022, with Andrew Rodgers and Danae Witherow as licensees. Today, the Premier Hotel boasts multiple bars and dining areas with a capacity of 554 patrons. From a sports bar to a spacious balcony that overlooks the centre of Albany, you can relax in style.
The pub has played host to numerous events and occasions over the years and remains the premium place to watch the famous Albany Classic Round the Houses rally each year. Come and experience the rich history and charming atmosphere of the Premier Hotel for yourself.
Onto the menu offerings. Picture this. You are sitting in a cosy, charming pub nestled in the heart of the Great Southern region of Western Australia, the air is filled with the inviting aroma of hearty, home-cooked dishes.
My favourite was the Grilled Bacon & Cheeseburger. The first thing you notice is the perfectly toasted bun, slightly crispy on the outside yet soft and fluffy on the inside. The 100% prime West Australian beef patty was juicy, succulent and bursting with flavour.
The smoked cheese elevates this cheeseburger. Its rich, smoky aroma intertwined with the savory beef, created a harmonious blend that leaves your taste buds dancing with joy. The cheese is perfectly melted, blanketing the patty in a creamy, velvety layer that adds both flavour and texture.
The fresh, crisp lettuce and ripe, juicy tomatoes provided a contrast to the richness of the beef and cheese, adding a refreshing crunch with each bite. A touch of tangy pickles and a smear of the pub’s special sauce completed the ensemble, adding a burst of zesty goodness. Paired with a pint of local craft beer, giving you the perfect combination.
Another menu standout was the Irish Stew, a dish that perfectly marries tradition with the bounty of local produce.
The stew arrived in a rustic, earthenware bowl, still gently steaming. The first spoonful revealed tender chunks of beef that melt in your mouth, slow-cooked to perfection bringing a depth of flavour that was both rich and comforting.
Surrounding the beef, an array of vibrant vegetables, potatoes, carrots, and onions, all cooked to just the right level of tenderness. They soaked up the savory broth, infusing every bite with a burst of wholesome goodness. The broth itself was seasoned with fresh herbs and a dash of local stout, adding complexity and a touch of earthiness to the dish.
As you continue to savour the stew, you are struck by how each ingredient complements the others. It is a harmonious blend, where the freshness of local produce shines through and the robust flavours come together to create a dish that is both hearty and heartwarming. A slice of crusty, homemade bread on the side was perfect for mopping up every drop of the delicious broth.
This Irish Stew is not just a meal; it is an experience that transports you to the rolling hills and fertile valleys of Ireland. Paired best with a glass of local red wine or a pint of stout, it is an experience you will not soon forget.
The Hearty Beef Cheeks made from fresh ingredients sourced locally in Albany, were a testament to the region’s rich agricultural prowess. The slow-cooking process rendered the beef incredibly tender with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that left a lasting impression. The silky bed of sweet potato mash added natural sweetness, balancing the savory richness of the beef.
What elevates this dish is the sumptuous gravy. Crafted with care, it complemented the beef cheeks, infusing each bite with layers of robust flavour. This gravy, with its glossy finish and depth of taste, tied the whole dish together, creating a harmonious symphony of flavours.
So if you are a lover of history then head to Albany and visit Premier Hotel Albany and enjoy a good pub fair.
By Brad Wren
