Australian Venue Co (AVC) has jumped the Strait, taking its first pub in Tasmania in Hobart’s historic Telegraph Hotel.
Built 1858 as the Electric Telegraph Hotel, on a prime waterfront site, the shortened name was adopted in 1877.
It has been the property of brothers Stephen and Brendan Bourke since 1992, operated under lease by Pub Banc Group.
The lease reportedly ended during COVID challenges and in March the Bourkes put it on the market for the first time in nearly 30 years, offering sale of a vacant freehold or the option for a long lease.
AVC has announced its latest acquisition will be getting a new lease of life, in a renovation aiming to celebrate the rich history of the heritage hotel.
Street level will remain a public bar, albeit with a refreshed look and feel, while the underutilised second floor will be converted into a dining space, offering a fresh menu.
AVC now counts a vast portfolio across Australia and New Zealand, and has been deploying extensive capital restoring heritage and landmark pubs, such as the recently acquired and re-opened Sarah Sands Hotel, in Brunswick.
The group cites plans to hire and train locally, ahead of the new leasehold operation re-opening before the end of the year.
“The Telegraph Hotel is the first AVC investment in the Tasmanian market and we are excited to bring an iconic Hobart venue into the fold,” says Paul Waterson, AVC CEO. “With over 160 venues across Australia and New Zealand, it was high time that we invested in a Tasmanian pub.
“We’re passionate about bringing beautiful old pubs back to life and continuing their legacy in the local community. We’ve got a great track record for investing significantly in our pubs, updating them for the modern customer while preserving their heritage.”
