Matthews Hospitality, one of South Australia’s largest family-owned groups, has added the iconic Sussex Hotel at Walkerville to its portfolio.
The Matthews group was established during World War II by Seymour and Doris (Dossie) Matthews, and today owned by third-generation siblings Lisa, Scott and Ward Matthews.
The group has owned, operated and sold some 36 hotel licences and freeholds over the years, and now employs around 400 people across its venues the Salisbury, Feathers, Maylands, Eyre, Mount Gambier, Park and South Eastern hotels.
Recently the team has ventured into wine country, finding purchase of the Bentleys Hotel in Clare. Ongoing capex has been deployed in recent upgrades of regional venues the Eyre Hotel in Whyalla and the Mt Gambier Hotel, while works are in-progress at the Maylands Hotel and newly-announced refresh of Feathers Hotel at Burnside.
Originally established in 1843 on a lot further east along Walkerville Terrace, Sussex Hotel was relocated to its current position in 1905. The Art Deco remodelling came in the 1930s.
It has become a staple of Adelaide’s inner north for live entertainment, complementing the restaurant, outdoor beer garden, sports bar and gaming room.
Vendor on the sale was Piers Schmidt, who also holds the titles at the Earl Of Leicester Hotel in Parkside, and Union Hotel in Adelaide.
This latest acquisition was part of the Matthews group’s strategic transition, which has seen sale of its Colhurst Hotel and listing of the Buckingham Arms, after its successful rezoning, approved earlier this year. It cements their commitment to “serving the growing population in the inner northern and eastern suburbs of Adelaide” and strategy to focus on the core business of operating hotels.
“With apartment complexes being developed along northern suburban corridors and on the city fringe, we see a great opportunity to show the growing neighbourhood our brand of hospitality,” expressed Matthews Hospitality CEO Andrew Kemp.
“We’re not going to change what local patrons know and love, but we will look at how we can build on the offering.
“We are looking forward to meeting the locals and serving the growing community of the inner north.”
