Newcastle watering hole Gateway Hotel listed after 20 years

The Gateway Hotel, a Newcastle icon, has been placed on the market for the first time in more than 20 years. 

The hotel at 139 Maitland Rd, Islington boasts a rare 5 am licence, 15 underperforming gaming machines, and a large footprint on a 778 sqm corner site. 

It has long been a popular watering hole in Newcastle. But for more than a year, demands have grown that the venue be struck off a list of safe venues for the city’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities. 

In January, a senior transgender staff member alleged that she was assaulted by a male patron outside the hotel but the hotel didn’t call the police, the Newcastle Herald had reported.

The hotel has been generally used as a ‘weekender’ by the current owners and would benefit from a keen and motivated operator, according to listing agents are John Manenti of Manenti Quinlan and Associates and  Deane Moore of Moore and Moore Real Estate.

It last changed hands for $650,000 in 1999, according to Corelogic RP Data.

Gateway Hotel comprises a public bar, indoor and outdoor gaming rooms, bistro, beer garden, nightclub, eight first floor guest rooms, a function room and other amenities. 

Deane Moore said “with the impending redevelopment of the Cambridge Hotel site, the Gateway Hotel is potentially the last true late night and live music venue in Newcastle”. 

John Manenti added that high performing gaming venues nearby was a bonus for the new operator.

The sale is by expressions of interest which close on September 7.

The corner location, the hotel offers a range of features which make it the ultimate Newcastle sleeping giant.