Australian Venue Co is “full steam ahead” on investment into Melbourne hospitality, announcing a revived Bimbo, beachside pop-up and no less than three new pubs for the stable.
In expectation of a hot summer of strong economic recovery and record consumer demand, AVC has acquired the Village Belle Hotel in St Kilda, Ball Court Hotel in Sunbury and Victoria Hotel in Yarraville.
St Kilda’s Village Belle is a local landmark, which opened in 1891. The two-storey heritage Hotel was extensively renovated in 2017, offering a beer garden, public bar and cocktail lounge.
The sale represents one of the largest metropolitan Melbourne leasehold transactions of 2021. AVC take possession at the end of November and begin operations in December, and suggest no plans for major changes to the venue.
Sunbury’s Ball Court was constructed in the 1870s and is the only remaining 19th century hotel in the precinct.
Set on 2782sqm of land zoned Commercial 1, close to Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport, it holds a 1 am liquor licence and has been operated for the past seven years by the Mason family, who say it was time to hand over the “local treasures” to new custodians.
“We say cheers to you and our Ball Court family – thanks for coming along for the ride, it’s been a blast.”
The historic country pub has been closed for a time, but AVC is revitalising it, aiming to improve its flow and create a better guest experience. It will reopen under AVC’s control 11 November, offering bistro, wine bar, beer garden, sports bar, function room and drive-through bottleshop.
The sale was brokered the CRE’s Phil Mammolito and Kevin Connolly.
Yarraville’s Victoria Hotel was established 1873. It has been closed since the start of Victoria’s lockdown #6, but AVC is applying the capex, ear-marking it to be family-friendly, a destination for sports fans, strong in functions, and an ideal location for catch-ups with friends and co-workers. The tailored refresh has begun and the venue is slated to re-open on 5 December.
Beyond the new venues, the group has been working on the popular Brunswick Street bar formerly known as Bimbo, which it picked up in April.
Inspired by its iconic Kewpie doll on the parapet, the pub will re-open next month under the new name of ‘Kewpie’.
AVC reports the popular pizza menu will remain, serving up “notoriously cheap and delicious” pizzas, including seven vegetarian varieties, seven meat, and two seafood. These will be accompanied by new snacks, such as pizza spring rolls, and a fresh line-up of weekly events.
The pub has been closed since the onset of the pandemic, and group marketing officer Kylie Moncur says it is a “Fitzroy institution” and they did not take the notion of changing the name lightly.
“We love this bar and have so much respect for its legacy in this neighbourhood. We’re updating the name to Kewpie, which we feel is a better fit for the venue and the local community.”
Kewpie will re-open on Monday, 8 November, celebrating by giving away 50 free pizzas each day from 8-12 November.
An anticipated ‘summer of fun’ also sees the return of pop-up The Exchange Hotel’s Beach Club, which will be open every day from 6 November at the end of Bay Street in Port Melbourne, overlooking Port Phillip Bay.
The completely outdoors venue includes a container bar and full kitchen, cabanas, day beds and plenty of seating. Pets are welcome and there will be dog treats on the menu, as well as PETstock goodie bags and giveaways.
Exchange Beach Club will be cash-free, via contactless ordering through Mr Yum. All items will be taken directly to guests, using Bio Cups and Bio Consumables. And, the Clean Ocean Foundation will receive $1 for every Furphy sold on Wednesdays.
The three newcomers bring AVC’s Victorian portfolio to a total of 38 venues. CEO Paul Waterson says the acquisitions reflect the group’s confidence in a resilient industry and that they are “full steam ahead now” after a challenging 18 months.
“These new acquisitions are beautiful community pubs, and we’re excited to be part of their next chapter as we all look forward to the future. Melburnians have missed the pub and they’re coming out in droves.
“Many of our pubs have been part of the community for more than a hundred years, and they’re not going anywhere. We’re committed to investing in the industry and keeping these pubs open for decades to come.”
