West Ballina tavern sold to major player

THE Judd family's Westower Tavern at West Ballina has been sold to Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group.

After a heart-wrenching decision to sell the tavern, the deal was completed on December 1.

Courtney Judd said the decision was difficult for many reasons.

“It was a hard decision to sell, especially after we redeveloped the tavern in 2006. It was a sad decision,” she said.

“We are attached to the Ballina area, the townspeople and the tradespeople who have all been so supportive.

“And after designing the renovations it was sad to let it go.”

However, the Judd family will stay in the area, having bought the Pioneer Tavern at Wollongbar in August last year.

Westower Tavern's new manager, Craig Towells, said he was very excited at the chance to manage the popular venue.

He said the majority of the staff had been re-hired and there were new chefs working in the kitchen.

Mr Towells said BWS had taken over the bottleshop, staff were busy re-stocking its shelves and there were plans for a Dan Murphy's liquor warehouse to open next door.

“We are committed to offering quality service to our guests,” he said. “And the staff here are amazing - they just work and work and work.”