Dudley Hotel's Robert 'Stumpy' Taylor talks life beyond the bar

He began his career in hospitality later than most when he was 39 years old, it was 1989.

Just four years later, on September 6, 1993, Mr Taylor acquired the lease for the Dudley Hotel and he says his time since then has been filled with a lot of joy.

But, now with ‘his’ beloved hotel, which first opened its doors in 1884, is up for sale by its owners. And while the property did not sell at auction on December 15, Mr Taylor, 66, admits he has been doing a lot of reflecting on his years behind the bar since the iconic pub went on the market.

“In one way I’d like it to sell, in another I’d like a plan B for it not to sell,” he said.

“I guess it’s like anything, it all comes to an end. It will be sad to leave.”

As he looks towards his end in the industry, Mr Taylor said there will be a lot he will miss.

“I’ll miss the patrons. You build up a rapport with them, but I’ve seen a fair few of them pass [away] over the years,” he said. “At this hotel we depend on our regular clientele.”

For a man who has worked 80 hours a week for decades, there are a few things he will not miss.

“The hours are one. It’s not hard work, but you’ve got to be here to make a success of it. You’re the captain of the ship.” he said.

“But, I guess I’ll [now] see what weekends are like and also a public holiday.”

Mr Taylor said over the years he had seen a lot of changes in the hospitality industry.

“Younger kids these days, they take responsibility for not drinking and driving,” he said. “In my day people would drink and drive.”

One change he is not too keen on, however, is the industry’s “over-regulation”.

“We are so governed as a liquor industry,” he said. “Sydney’s lock-out laws had nothing to do with us here.”

As president of the Bathurst Liquor Accord, Mr Taylor said the group had already implemented a number of very successful strategies surrounding alcohol consumption and its effects.

Thinking about his plans for the future, Mr Taylor said he has always thought his tales as a publican would make for a good read.

“I’m always looking to write book, it’d be a series,” he laughed.

And while many people who are in their mid-60s might be looking at giving up work for good, that is not in Mr Taylor’s plans.

“I’ll still work five days-a-week,” he said.

When asked if he would buy the hotel himself, Mr Taylor said he was not sure and would wait a couple of months to consider his options.