This internet browser is outdated and does not support all features of this site. Please switch or upgrade to a different browser to display this site properly.

Hospitality trailblazer on quest to revitalise Perth’s social scene

17/06/2022. By Carmelle Wilkinson.

Share this article:

Entrepreneur Ross Drennan quit his job as a property valuer in 2015 and is now taking over the events and hospitality scene in Perth. Photo: PerthNow

From an aspiring young accountant to successful property valuer, Ross Drennan (B.Com Property and Accounting, 2007) can confidently add events and hospitality trailblazer to his growing list of rising achievements.

Quitting his day job as a commercial property valuer in 2015, the Curtin Graduate and entrepreneur is on a quest to bring a unique vibe and vibrancy to Perth’s dining and entertaining scene.

Co-founding the national festival and events company Nokturnl with his best mate and business partner Drew Flanagan in 2010, the dynamic duo are also the brains behind masterly crafted venues The Old Synagogue in Fremantle, and The Beaufort in Highgate.

Revitalising the Perth social scene, one bespoke bar at a time has become their trademark, with the 35-year-olds moving their attention to exciting projects in the CBD and South Perth later this year.

From batting buddies to business buddies, Ross and Drew are the dynamic duo behind The Old Synagogue and The Beaufort. Photo: PerthNow

Meeting at a local cricket club when they were 14, good teamwork seems to have been ingrained in them from a young age.

“The first thing we did when we left school was buy a ute together and start a delivery business, dropping off supplies for Drew’s Dad’s timber floor company,’’ Ross said.

“Like many friends we often spoke about starting our own business and after years of travelling and planning we launched Nokturnl in our early 20s.

“At first it was just something we’d enjoy doing around our jobs at the time. But before long the business really started to take off, and we both quit our jobs to focus on large scale events.”

Nokturl Events are behind some of the country’s biggest outdoor events, including Ocktoberfest in the Gardens.

Ross said while there was always a small element of fear stepping out of your comfort zone, he was confident in their business and enjoyed working alongside his childhood friend.

Originally from South Africa, Ross and his family moved to Perth when he was 13.

With his Dad a musician and his Mum a budding fashion designer, it’s safe to assume he inherited their flair for creativity.

However, it wasn’t until he completed his Property and Accounting degree at Curtin University that his career took a creative turn.

“I actually started my first year of accounting while completing year 12,’’ he said.

“At that time there was a program where you could attend night classes and towards the end of my degree I received work experience at a large accounting firm over the school holidays which was pretty good.

“Although I followed through and completed my degree, I quickly realised accounting wasn’t for me and I pivoted into property.”

Ross began his property career in 2006, resigning from his role as an Associate Director of national valuations and advisory firm m3property in 2015.

Following the success of managing a number of national events, such as the highly popular Ocktoberfest in the Gardens, Ross and Drew decided to expand their business repertoire to include bricks and mortar.

Tonic and Ginger at The Old Synagogue serves up tasty south-east Asian fusion dishes.

In 2018, they turned an otherwise forgotten heritage listed building on Fremantle’s cappuccino strip, into a pumping hospitality venue with a Asian fusion restaurant, hip beer and wine garden, rooftop terrace and intimate cocktail bar.

The Old Synagogue Fremantle

The Old Synagogue is located on Fremantle’s popular café strip.The Old Synagogue is located on Fremantle’s popular café strip.

In 2020 their hard work and perseverance paid off with The Old Synagogue taking out the gong for Best New Venue and Best Venue at the Australian Hotels Association Awards.

Originally built in 1902, the building was WA’s first synagogue – known back then as the Fremantle Synagogue.

The Arbor at The Old Synagogue is the perfect place to gather your crew and eat, drink and enjoy the Fremantle sunshine.

“When the property came up for sale, we immediately saw its potential. Coming from an events background I love creating unique spaces to entertain, and I knew we could do something really special with this site,’’ Ross said.

“Unfortunately, three months after opening The Old Synagogue, the global pandemic hit, and we had to close our doors for several months.

“While COVID-19 has thrown a few challenges in the mix, we’ve been extremely fortunate here in WA.”

The impressive interior space at Tonic and Ginger.

While a recent wave of COVID-19 wiped out 20 employees in one day, Ross said they’d learnt to adapt to the current environment – with everyone pitching in where they can.

Even if that means getting behind the bar and pouring the drinks himself.

“Drew and I are more involved in the operations side of the business, but if we are needed then we will of course step in. I don’t mind getting my hands dirty. Just don’t ask me to help out in the kitchen. That would end badly,’’ he joked.

In March this year, Ross and Drew added another hospitality hero to their list – The Beaufort.

The Beaufort in Highgate is bringing visitors and vibrancy back to a quiet end of town.

Situated in the former Empire Warehouse on Beaufort Street, Highgate, the multi-storey venue takes inspiration from the building’s 1950s vibes, coupling that with a bold modern architectural fit out.

“As two young pub owners we like to test what’s out there and see what works. For me, the focus has always been on creating multigenerational spaces that can be enjoyed by all ages,” Ross said.

“When people walk into our venues, I want them to be impressed. I’ve been to some pretty incredible bars overseas and wanted to replicate that wow factor here in Perth.”

Creating beautiful dining spaces has become Ross and Drew’s trademark.

The courtyard area at The Beaufort has ‘jungle vibes’ with lush green spaces.

With no signs of slowing down, the pair are currently in talks with the State Government to redesign and spruce up Yagan Square.

“It’s well known that Yagan Square hasn’t worked. While it’s situated on prime real estate with amazing accessibility from the train station and CBD, it struggles to draw people in,’’ he said.

Perth’s Yagan Square had great promise but many believe it hasn’t quite lived up to the hype.

With support from the State Government, Ross and Drew plan to reinvigorate the space and bring it to life with multiple dining and pub offerings.

Another project gaining momentum are their plans to convert a heritage listed police station in their home suburb of South Perth into an underground restaurant and bar.

Construction on both projects is expected to start this year in anticipation for a grand opening towards the end of 2023.

Ross said the next 12 months would be their busiest yet, but he was up for the challenge.

“Thankfully Drew and I get along well. I know they say not to go into business with friends or family, but we’re very fortunate that we both word hard and there is a massive level of trust,” he said.

From a handful of employees running an events business, Ross and Drew now have more than 300 staff across their businesses.

Mr Chapple, The Old Synagogue

“My advice for anyone wanting to work for themselves is don’t be scared to keep looking for great business opportunities,’’ Ross said.

“And don’t think because your degree says one thing that your degree won’t help you or lead you into doing something completely different.”

Ross said his double degree opened career opportunities that he never dreamed of, which ultimately proved the perfect foundation for his current aspirations.

“While my accounting experience is assisting with handling the book side of the business, my property valuing knowledge has been quite handy when scouting our next venue,’’ Ross said.

“University if anything teaches us how to think and if you have aspirations to be an entrepreneur, just go for it.”

___

Read more stories like this one

For seven years in a row, Curtin remains the world’s second-ranked university and number one in Australia for mineral and mining engineering in the 2023 @qsworlduniversityranking by Subject. 👏💫
 
That’s not all, five Curtin subjects were named in the Top 50 in the world and four top-100 subject rankings, including architecture and built environment, civil and structural engineering, nursing, and sport-related subjects.
 
We are so pleased to see Curtin continuing to shine on the global stage! 🌏
 
Update your details today to receive all the latest Curtin news and exciting opportunities via the link bio. 👆
 
#CurtinUniversity #CurtinLife #QSWUR #HigherEducation #UniversityRankings #STEM #proud #rankings #engineering #science

For seven years in a row, Curtin remains the world’s second-ranked university and number one in Australia for mineral and mining engineering in the 2023 @qsworlduniversityranking by Subject. 👏💫
 
That’s not all, five Curtin subjects were named in the Top 50 in the world and four top-100 subject rankings, including architecture and built environment, civil and structural engineering, nursing, and sport-related subjects.
 
We are so pleased to see Curtin continuing to shine on the global stage! 🌏
 
Update your details today to receive all the latest Curtin news and exciting opportunities via the link bio. 👆
 
#CurtinUniversity #CurtinLife #QSWUR #HigherEducation #UniversityRankings #STEM #proud #rankings #engineering #science
...

Curtin arts graduate and multi-disciplinary artist Abdul Abdullah’s intricate embroideries, ‘Watched but not seen’ and ‘Surveilled’ explore the differing perception of a person’s identity and their lived reality. 🎓🎨
 
Currently on display for the @portraitau’s newest exhibition, ‘PORTRAIT23: Identity’, Abdul’s work features alongside 23 Australian artists and collectives who were invited to create new works that expand on and transcend notions of portraiture.
 
Inspired by Malay folklore, Abdul’s two visions of the weretiger, ‘Watched but not seen’ and ‘Surveilled’ are concerned with the experience of the ‘other’, and the difference between the perception of a person’s identity and the reality of their lived actions and beliefs.
 
Drawing from his own experience as a Muslim growing up in Australia, the tapestries explore the perception and projection of monstrosity, on a group of people who would otherwise be identical to yourself, and how this can influence the way we engage with different groups within our society.
 
Abdul’s advice for young aspiring artists is to be the audience as much or more than being the artist.
 
“Travel if you can, understand that uni is not the end but rather the prologue, and remember, the work you make in class is important but doesn’t define you, so keep growing.”
 
The artwork has been provided courtesy of the artist and @yavuzgallery. 📸: Mark Mohell.
 
View more of Abdul’s work in #CurtinCommons via the link in bio. 👆
 
#CurtinUniversity #Portrait23 #NationalPortraitGallery #Canberra #ArtExhibition #Portraiture #Museum #Culture #Identity #Embroidery #ContemporaryArt #MalayFolklore #Muslim

Curtin arts graduate and multi-disciplinary artist Abdul Abdullah’s intricate embroideries, ‘Watched but not seen’ and ‘Surveilled’ explore the differing perception of a person’s identity and their lived reality. 🎓🎨
 
Currently on display for the @portraitau’s newest exhibition, ‘PORTRAIT23: Identity’, Abdul’s work features alongside 23 Australian artists and collectives who were invited to create new works that expand on and transcend notions of portraiture.
 
Inspired by Malay folklore, Abdul’s two visions of the weretiger, ‘Watched but not seen’ and ‘Surveilled’ are concerned with the experience of the ‘other’, and the difference between the perception of a person’s identity and the reality of their lived actions and beliefs.
 
Drawing from his own experience as a Muslim growing up in Australia, the tapestries explore the perception and projection of monstrosity, on a group of people who would otherwise be identical to yourself, and how this can influence the way we engage with different groups within our society.
 
Abdul’s advice for young aspiring artists is to be the audience as much or more than being the artist.
 
“Travel if you can, understand that uni is not the end but rather the prologue, and remember, the work you make in class is important but doesn’t define you, so keep growing.”
 
The artwork has been provided courtesy of the artist and @yavuzgallery. 📸: Mark Mohell.
 
View more of Abdul’s work in #CurtinCommons via the link in bio. 👆
 
#CurtinUniversity #Portrait23 #NationalPortraitGallery #Canberra #ArtExhibition #Portraiture #Museum #Culture #Identity #Embroidery #ContemporaryArt #MalayFolklore #Muslim
...

We were thrilled to celebrate three outstanding Curtin researchers who were awarded Channel 7 Telethon Trust grants for 2022 at the @telethon7 Giving Ceremony Breakfast last Friday. 👏

The SCHOOL-KONTAKT program led by Professor Sonya Girdler, Australasia’s first Solar Community Hub in the Kimberley led by Professor Christina Pollard and Kerry Stokes Chair in Child Health Research Professor Peter Gething were all acknowledged for the incredible work they do to deliver life-changing outcomes for WA children. 

These grants will help empower autistic kids to practise and apply their social skills at high school and give children living in underserved Indigenous communities access to digital technologies to uplift health and education outcomes. 

We would like to thank the kindness and generosity of West Australians and the Channel 7 Telethon Trust for supporting our researchers' vital work in transforming the lives of children across our state and beyond! 💛 

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinResearch #Telethon7 #WAkids #CommunitySupport#ActofKindness #AutismResearch #SolarLearningHub #ChildHealthResearch #ChildHealth #WAHealth #WesternAustralia #Children

We were thrilled to celebrate three outstanding Curtin researchers who were awarded Channel 7 Telethon Trust grants for 2022 at the @telethon7 Giving Ceremony Breakfast last Friday. 👏

The SCHOOL-KONTAKT program led by Professor Sonya Girdler, Australasia’s first Solar Community Hub in the Kimberley led by Professor Christina Pollard and Kerry Stokes Chair in Child Health Research Professor Peter Gething were all acknowledged for the incredible work they do to deliver life-changing outcomes for WA children.

These grants will help empower autistic kids to practise and apply their social skills at high school and give children living in underserved Indigenous communities access to digital technologies to uplift health and education outcomes.

We would like to thank the kindness and generosity of West Australians and the Channel 7 Telethon Trust for supporting our researchers' vital work in transforming the lives of children across our state and beyond! 💛

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinResearch #Telethon7 #WAkids #CommunitySupport#ActofKindness #AutismResearch #SolarLearningHub #ChildHealthResearch #ChildHealth #WAHealth #WesternAustralia #Children
...

According to the @watercorporation, a leaking tap can waste around 2,000 litres of water a month. 💧
 
This #WorldWaterDay, Curtin Master of Human Resources graduate Tamara Berryman shares the story behind her small innovative device that detects household water leaks within minutes.
 
Tamara’s Wata Watcha device simply attaches to a household water meter, giving access to real-time water usage data and detecting leaks, saving precious water and money.
 
Currently involved in Curtin Accelerate, Tamara shares how the program is helping her commercialise the device so it can be installed in homes across WA.
 
Read Tamara’s LinkedIn article via the link in bio. 👆
 
#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #CurtinAccelerate #WorldWaterDay #Sustainability #ClimateChange #Innovation #Leadership #ClimateLeaders #YoungLeaders #Commercialisation #WAStartups #Entrepreneurial #YouthEntrepreneurship

According to the @watercorporation, a leaking tap can waste around 2,000 litres of water a month. 💧
 
This #WorldWaterDay, Curtin Master of Human Resources graduate Tamara Berryman shares the story behind her small innovative device that detects household water leaks within minutes.
 
Tamara’s Wata Watcha device simply attaches to a household water meter, giving access to real-time water usage data and detecting leaks, saving precious water and money.
 
Currently involved in Curtin Accelerate, Tamara shares how the program is helping her commercialise the device so it can be installed in homes across WA.
 
Read Tamara’s LinkedIn article via the link in bio. 👆
 
#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #CurtinAccelerate #WorldWaterDay #Sustainability #ClimateChange #Innovation #Leadership #ClimateLeaders #YoungLeaders #Commercialisation #WAStartups #Entrepreneurial #YouthEntrepreneurship
...

Congratulations to Curtin Medical School graduate Dr Lucy Irvine on being named WA Country Health Service Intern of the Year. 👏🩺
 
Lucy was recognised for her remarkable leadership and significant impact in going above and beyond to improve the lives of countless country people and their communities.
 
Since graduating in 2021, Lucy’s passion for rural health ignited when she began working as a junior doctor at South West Bunbury Regional Hospital where she was help improve the lives of many diverse patients while being supported by an enthusiastic and committed team.
 
"I am delighted to have been awarded the WA Country Health Service Intern of the Year for 2022. It was a fantastic experience attending the Awards evening to celebrate the hard work and dedication of our rural health workers from around the state. I’m excited to see where my journey in rural health will take me next!”
 
 
Thank you, Lucy, for your selfless dedication towards making a difference in the lives of others, your work is truly inspiring! 💫
 
#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #Healthcare #ChooseCountry #warhea2023 #graduate #wahealth #leadership #doctor #communityservice #countryhealth #bettertomorrow

Congratulations to Curtin Medical School graduate Dr Lucy Irvine on being named WA Country Health Service Intern of the Year. 👏🩺
 
Lucy was recognised for her remarkable leadership and significant impact in going above and beyond to improve the lives of countless country people and their communities.
 
Since graduating in 2021, Lucy’s passion for rural health ignited when she began working as a junior doctor at South West Bunbury Regional Hospital where she was help improve the lives of many diverse patients while being supported by an enthusiastic and committed team.
 
"I am delighted to have been awarded the WA Country Health Service Intern of the Year for 2022. It was a fantastic experience attending the Awards evening to celebrate the hard work and dedication of our rural health workers from around the state. I’m excited to see where my journey in rural health will take me next!”
 
 
Thank you, Lucy, for your selfless dedication towards making a difference in the lives of others, your work is truly inspiring! 💫
 
#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #Healthcare #ChooseCountry #warhea2023 #graduate #wahealth #leadership #doctor #communityservice #countryhealth #bettertomorrow
...

🥑💚Curtin Grad Serena’s Autumn Avocado Hummus 🥑💚
 
Struggle to find the perfect healthy after-work snack that won’t take forever to prepare?
 
Curtin Nutrition and Food Science graduate Serena Buruh’s easy two step avocado hummus recipe is the best of hummus and guacamole combined and will have you craving more after the first bite. 🤤
 
Ingredients:
2 cups of canned chickpeas
2 ripe avocados, cored and peeled
1/3 cups tahini
1/4 cups of lime juice
2 cloves garlic
3 tbsp. olive oil, plus more for serving
1/4 tsp. cumin
1 tbsp. kosher salt
Chopped cilantro, for garnish
Red pepper flakes, for garnish
 
Method:
 
1.Combine chickpeas, avocados, tahini, lime juice, garlic, olive oil and cumin in the bowl of a food processor and season with salt. Blend until smooth.
 
2. Pour mixture into serving bowl and garnish with cilantro and red pepper flakes. Drizzle with more olive oil if desired and serve.
 
Stuck on how to serve it? Why not pair it with some delicious water crackers or try some healthy carrot or celery sticks. 🥕

Did you give it a go? Make sure to tag us to get featured on our Instagram stories.
 
If you’re a #CurtinGrad with a delicious recipe to share? DM us for a chance to get featured. 📩
 
#CurtinGradCookOff #hummus #hummusrecipe #perthfoodgram #vegatarianrecipes #vegetarianmeals #healthymealsprep #healthysnacksonthego #healthysnackideas #perthtodo #perthisok #perthfoodie #lunchrecipes #nutrition #foodstagram #healthyfoodideas

🥑💚Curtin Grad Serena’s Autumn Avocado Hummus 🥑💚
 
Struggle to find the perfect healthy after-work snack that won’t take forever to prepare?
 
Curtin Nutrition and Food Science graduate Serena Buruh’s easy two step avocado hummus recipe is the best of hummus and guacamole combined and will have you craving more after the first bite. 🤤
 
Ingredients:
2 cups of canned chickpeas
2 ripe avocados, cored and peeled
1/3 cups tahini
1/4 cups of lime juice
2 cloves garlic
3 tbsp. olive oil, plus more for serving
1/4 tsp. cumin
1 tbsp. kosher salt
Chopped cilantro, for garnish
Red pepper flakes, for garnish
 
Method:
 
1.Combine chickpeas, avocados, tahini, lime juice, garlic, olive oil and cumin in the bowl of a food processor and season with salt. Blend until smooth.
 
2. Pour mixture into serving bowl and garnish with cilantro and red pepper flakes. Drizzle with more olive oil if desired and serve.
 
Stuck on how to serve it? Why not pair it with some delicious water crackers or try some healthy carrot or celery sticks. 🥕

Did you give it a go? Make sure to tag us to get featured on our Instagram stories.
 
If you’re a #CurtinGrad with a delicious recipe to share? DM us for a chance to get featured. 📩
 
#CurtinGradCookOff #hummus #hummusrecipe #perthfoodgram #vegatarianrecipes #vegetarianmeals #healthymealsprep #healthysnacksonthego #healthysnackideas #perthtodo #perthisok #perthfoodie #lunchrecipes #nutrition #foodstagram #healthyfoodideas
...

We are thrilled to announce Curtin alumna and Dean of Indigenous Futures Mandy Downing has been inducted into the WA Women’s Hall of Fame. 💫
 
A proud Yindjibarndi woman from the Pilbara region, Mandy was recognised for her outstanding impact and significant contributions in WA’s education and training sector over the past 20 years.
 
Congratulations Mandy on such an incredible achievement, thank you for your outstanding contributions to the Curtin community and beyond! 🖤❤️💛
 
#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #IWD2023 #EmbraceEquity #WomensHistoryMonth #IndigenousLeaders #FemaleLeaders ##InspiringWomen #CelebrationofAchievement #Education

We are thrilled to announce Curtin alumna and Dean of Indigenous Futures Mandy Downing has been inducted into the WA Women’s Hall of Fame. 💫
 
A proud Yindjibarndi woman from the Pilbara region, Mandy was recognised for her outstanding impact and significant contributions in WA’s education and training sector over the past 20 years.
 
Congratulations Mandy on such an incredible achievement, thank you for your outstanding contributions to the Curtin community and beyond! 🖤❤️💛
 
#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #IWD2023 #EmbraceEquity #WomensHistoryMonth #IndigenousLeaders #FemaleLeaders ##InspiringWomen #CelebrationofAchievement #Education
...

Curtin’s Director, Gender Equity and Inclusion Dr Samantha Owen, is challenging institutional norms that stand in the way of gender equity through research. ⚖️📖
 
To help generate more visibility for gender research, Dr Owen helped establish and now serves as the Academic Lead for Curtin’s Gender Research Network (GRN). The GRN brings together over 200 researchers across the five Curtin campuses working on best practices around gender research and gender equity policy and practice within the University and in the greater community.
 
As International Women’s Day comes to a close, Dr Owen reminds us that to create a gender equal future, we must embed inclusion in the work we do year-round.
 
Read more about Dr Owen’s background and participation in the social justice movement via the #IWD link in bio.👆
 
#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2023 #GivingBack #SocialChange #SocialJustice #Leadership #GenderEquity #Diversity #WomenLeaders #Australia #FemaleLeaders

Curtin’s Director, Gender Equity and Inclusion Dr Samantha Owen, is challenging institutional norms that stand in the way of gender equity through research. ⚖️📖
 
To help generate more visibility for gender research, Dr Owen helped establish and now serves as the Academic Lead for Curtin’s Gender Research Network (GRN). The GRN brings together over 200 researchers across the five Curtin campuses working on best practices around gender research and gender equity policy and practice within the University and in the greater community.
 
As International Women’s Day comes to a close, Dr Owen reminds us that to create a gender equal future, we must embed inclusion in the work we do year-round.
 
Read more about Dr Owen’s background and participation in the social justice movement via the #IWD link in bio.👆
 
#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2023 #GivingBack #SocialChange #SocialJustice #Leadership #GenderEquity #Diversity #WomenLeaders #Australia #FemaleLeaders
...