Iconic Ballarat venue Seymours on Lydiard has closed suddenly, leaving upcoming functions in jeopardy and staff in the dark.
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It is understood by The Courier that the locks were changed at the premises on Tuesday night, with managerial staff now contacting people who had booked events and paid deposits. A sign on the door said the restaurant was closed from Wednesday due to “unexpected circumstance [sic]”.
The hotel is run by Seymours Ballarat Pty Ltd, which is still a registered business according to documents obtained from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). Biling Yu is listed as the sole director of the company.
The current status of creditors for the business is unknown.
The adjoining Seymour’s on Lydiard Motel, a separate business, is still open as per usual.
Greg Nunn was set to host his 60th Birthday at the venue in December, and has been told his $500 deposit may not be returned. He said he was more concerned for staff, who have been given little explanation.
“When I got the call I was taken aback, and I don’t think I really absorbed what they were telling me,” he said.
“I’ve lost $500 dollars, which I’m not too fussed about. But I won’t be the only one in this position.”
Have you been affected? Email ashleigh.mcmillan@fairfaxmedia.com.au
ASIC documents also state that Tanya Farrell is a former director and secretary of Seymours Ballarat Pty Ltd, having ceased her involvement on August 14 last year.
Ms Farrell is listed as a director and secretary of the RMH Sebastopol Pty Ltd, trading as The Royal Mail. RMH Sebastopol Pty Ltd is the licensee of the recently closed Royal Mail Hotel in Sebastopol, and is the subject of a wind-up notice issued by the ASIC on June 7, 2018. The applicant for the wind-up is the Deputy Commissioner for Taxation.
The restaurant’s website www.seymours.com.au has been taken offline.
The iconic venue just a stone’s throw away from the Ballarat Railway Station has a connection to one of Ballarat’s most famous former residents.
Actor Bill Hunter was born and bred in Ballarat, and his parents were the publicans of the North Star, now Seymours.
