Iconic watering hole of central Brisbane the Victory Hotel will soon close, as ALH steps away from its long-term lease.
Built 1855, on the corner of Edward and Charlotte streets in the Brisbane CBD, the pub is popularly known as The Vic, but was originally dubbed the Prince of Wales. It has been on the Brisbane City Council heritage register since 2009, retaining “the principal characteristics of a 19th century hotel”.
Thought to be the oldest continually operating pub in the city, it saw significant renovations to the beer garden in 1986 and further changes in 2000, but was almost destroyed by a fire in 2008 thought to have started in the basement, with hundreds of patrons forced to evacuate in the early hours of a Sunday morning.
Since 1993 it has been operated by Australia’s largest publican, ALH, and long been known for its entertainment, featuring musicians, DJs and karaoke nights.
The lease to Endeavour’s pub arm was due to expire next month, and after 21 years the group has decided to call time and not enter a new lease with the landlords. The final day of trade will be Sunday.
“We are proud to have been the custodians of the Victory Hotel for the last two decades, and we are sad to be saying goodbye to this iconic venue,” offered an ALH spokesperson.
Owners Precision Group have held the deeds since 2005.
Ready to see the old landmark cease trade this weekend, Precision has now announced a new, as yet unnamed operator will take over next month.
“The iconic Victory Hotel will start yet another new chapter in the hotel’s long history within the Brisbane CBD’s entertainment precinct,” said the Precision spokesperson.
ALH were contacted for further information on the reason behind the decision to not renew, but no answer was received prior to publication.
