Running a pub’s no picnic, but that’s where true Steyne power shines brightest.
Ever since 1859, when the visionary Henry Gilbert Smith took the plunge and built Hotel Steyne, planet Earth’s pre-eminent watering hole and tourist destination right atop Manly beachfront, every publican at the helm since has felt the well-deserved weight of global swiller expectations to ensure the loftiest of public house standards are not only maintained, but constantly evolving.
So, with this front of mind, in March this year Rob Stanley-Jones accepted the challenge laid down by Henry Smith 163years prior, becoming Hotel Steyne’s Licensee and declaring in unspoken reverential terms to safeguard the historic venue’s ongoing supremacy. With over twenty-five years’ experience as a Licensee, Rob was tailor made for success from the get-go.
Having grown up on the Beaches at Avalon, his local knowledge and ability to look spectacular in a horizontal striped t-shirt is unquestioned, as is his commitment to community safety, taking on the role as Chairperson of the Northern Beaches Liquor Accord, where local Licensees work together with Police, Council and other stakeholders on harm minimisation initiatives and education programs for staff and patrons on their obligations when frequenting venues.
What really marks Rob’s approach to hospitality and life in general though is his unwavering dedication to the importance of a fit and healthy lifestyle, and a passion for supporting worthy causes. Back in the 80s, while Sigourney Weaver ventured high into the African mountains to rescue Gorillas in the Mist, Rob and his brother commenced the family tradition of running the City2Surf in their matching primate suits to raise funds for The Leukaemia Foundation, a fun run, sweat fest custom they have continued for the last 37 consecutive years.
Having lost his father to leukaemia, while having also fought his own battle with cancer – Rob is a testicular cancer survivor – the power and importance of being a positive advocate for helping to raise funds for cancer awareness and research is dear to Rob’s heart. This explains why, on 26 November, he’s taking his two left feet to the dancefloor to trip the light fandango for the Stars of the Beaches Dance Gala, raising funds for the Cancer Council, but it also highlights Rob’s inspiration for a new campaign: #HealthyHospos@HotelSteyne
Rob’s success and longevity in the hospitality industry is directly tied to his dedication to a healthy lifestyle, something not always easy to maintain in the long, often nocturnal hours required of the profession. With a team of over a hundred staff, Rob is approaching local businesses, health and fitness providers, with a view to staff being able to take advantage of activities and programs designed around their busy “hospo” schedules.
Having Manly beach on Hotel Steyne’s doorstep, the prospect of encouraging and facilitating staff to take full advantage of the healthy activities the Northern Beaches has to offer is a pivotal step in ensuring Steyne supremacy well into the future.
Help Rob in his hot shoe shuffle fundraising efforts for the Cancer Council by visiting stars.cancercouncil.com.au and searching Rob Stanley Jones. And a special shout out to Rob’s dance partner, Emily from Classic Dance Northern Beaches, volunteering her precious time toward mission impossible, teaching Rob the cha-cha!