Fraser Short plays long game

Fraser Short hasn't wasted time building a new empire since splitting with Keystone Hospitality.

The publican-restaurateur hasn't been able to keep his wallet in his pocket, opening The Morrison in the city and becoming a partner in the acquisition of the landmark Watsons Bay Hotel. Now word on the street is that Short has his eyes on go-to Sydney food and beverage 'burb, Surry Hills.

''We'll be taking over the management of the Strawberry Hills Hotel and the Shakespeare Hotel from mid-March,'' he says.

But don't expect big changes, or imported celebrity chefs at the venues.

''The pubs are run very well with a formula as the best value meals on the block. I don't want to turn away the loyal clientele they've built up. We'll just be bringing some new energy to the equation.''