Established by Welshman, David Henry Tasker, in 1886 The Royal Hotel Condobolin has seen a lot in its many years. The original Royal Hotel was first built 7 years prior on a different site across the street. Business boomed, and there was a need for a bigger pub. The Sydney Evening News reported on October 16, 1886:

News from Condobolin.

NEW ROYAL HOTEL. — One of the finest hotels in the Western district was opened here on Monday last by Mr. D. H. Tasker, who has now vacated the old Royal. The building-site and furniture have cost about £7000, and the appointments are of a superior description throughout. There is fine stabling attached, there being accommodation for twenty horses, in addition to twelve loose boxes, which can be utilised as buggy-sheds when required.

In 1892 Tasker retired to a beautiful mansion he had built, leasing his pub to Charles Reuben. Upon the death of his wife in 1902, Tasker returned as host of the Royal and remained until his death in 1920 when his son Dave Junior took the reins.

The Royal was extended and enlarged over time, and by 1920 was well known throughout the State as ‘Tasker’s Hotel’ and considered one of the best country modernised hotels, complete with electric lighting and motor garage.

In 1938 the pub was sold to Tooheys Brewery, following the death of Dave Junior. In 1939 it was demolished and rebuilt as the current art-deco Royal, which was complete on March 5, 1940.

The Lachlander and Condobolin and Western Districts Recorder reporter on Thursday March 28, 1940:

NEW ROYAL HOTEL

The building line of Condobolin has further changed with the erection of the new Royal Hotel in Bathurst street. The building is providing work for a large number of workmen and is expected to be completed within five or six weeks. Mr. Harry Hoare, who is well known throughout the West, is the new licensee, and he is confident that the new premises will be equal to any outside the metropolitan area. Modern and spacious lounges will be a feature of the hotel and the accommodation scarcity in the town will be relieved by the provision of many bedrooms. Hot and cold water services will be fitted in every bedroom. There is ample bathroom space and there should be no congestion in this respect. The stables at the rear of the premises are being demolished and up to date garages are being erected.

Tooheys was purchased by Alan Bond in 1985, still riding high on the 1983 Americas Cup win. Unfortunately, Bond’s decision to allow leases to lapse without paying for the goodwill of the businesses, meant that publican Neil Davis (1982-1989) was drawn into a lengthy group action against Tooheys. While ultimately the publicans won in court, it was a hollow victory with no compensation ever being paid.

In 1991, the pub was finally sold to Jim and Shirley Fairless, signalling the end of the 51 year long Tooheys era.

Today the Royal is being given a new lease on life with renovations beginning in 2022 under new owners, the Jones and Rees families. We hope to be welcoming patrons once again in 2023 to continue the legacy that started over a century ago.