Changing Times

MERIVALE’S NEWPORT ARMED AND READY TO REOPEN

Posted on March 16th, 2016 by Clyde Mooney
A few action-packed months later than anticipated, Merivale is about to unleash “one of [our] biggest ventures” with all the pomp and brilliance its patrons have come to expect. Good Friday (25 March) will see the doors thrown open to

FUTURE UNCLEAR FOR TAPHOUSE GROUP NEW PUB

Posted on February 22nd, 2016 by Clyde Mooney
The popular Star Hotel has closed in undisclosed circumstance after its purchase by the burgeoning Taphouse Hotel Group. The Star Hotel resides on a prominent corner at the entry to the town of Wauchope, just west of Port Macquarie. The

OSCARS CLOSING BAR CENTURY – BUT NOT DUE TO LOCKOUTS

Posted on February 15th, 2016 by Clyde Mooney
Oscars Hotels has announced the closure of its George Street icon, Bar Century – but refutes that it had anything to do with lockouts or a drop in trade. After nine years operating the sublease, Oscars is executing a make-good

LUNATIC HOTEL PASSES THROUGH NRL PLAYER TO NEW LEASE ON LIFE

Posted on February 5th, 2016 by Clyde Mooney
The crazy tale of husband and wife hoteliers badgered out of business has ended with “new blood” courtesy of a helping hand from karma and some NRL players. [caption id="attachment_2714" align="alignright" width="306"] Bob and Desley Kane[/caption] After more than a

BEACHIE HOTEL CLOSING “DUE TO CLUBS” – KINGSTON

Posted on February 1st, 2016 by Clyde Mooney
Hotelier David Kingston is closing his troubled Beachcomber Hotel, blaming local clubs and ‘changing times’ for it being unprofitable. News Local reported that Kingston presented to Wyong Council last Wednesday, citing “a fundamental challenge with four large venues­ around us,

BELL TOLLS FOR FLOOD SURVIVOR IPSWICH PUB

Posted on January 13th, 2016 by Clyde Mooney
After 82 years operation by a loyal family, a landmark Queensland pub has closed until the right “publican who can love her” comes along. More than once the Bremer River has burst its banks and flooded the town of Ipswich,

SALISBURY HOTEL SEES ACCLAIMED OPERATOR “MOVE IN”

Posted on December 22nd, 2015 by Clyde Mooney
After decades optimising iconic Sydney pubs, acclaimed operator Gerard Dore has bought into The Salisbury with plans to apply his laid-back hands-on approach. Most recently known for the sweeping turnaround of Arthur Laundy’s landmark Steyne Hotel in Manly, Dore has

FEATHERS HOTEL SEES ‘LONG-AWAITED’ MASSIVE MAKEOVER

Posted on December 22nd, 2015 by Clyde Mooney
The Matthews family has begun execution of its massive redevelopment plans of the stylish Feathers Hotel – six years after plans were first approved. As Burnside’s only pub, the hotel has been subject to a maze of council conditions and

ALEXANDRIA HOTEL CLOSES WITH FAREWELLS AND FIRESALE

Posted on December 18th, 2015 by Clyde Mooney
Despite community outcries and temporary injunctions, the Alexandria Hotel will close for good this Sunday. Purchased by part of Centennial Property Group plans already lodged will see the pub demolished to make way for an $8 million development, with 28

MELBOURNE PUB NEW LOOK AS SUCCESSFUL WINE BAR TAKES OVER

Posted on December 11th, 2015 by Clyde Mooney
Owners of the successful Harry & Frankie wine bar have bought Fitzroy’s Rose Hotel as they take their business model to the next level. Tom Hogan and John Tennent opened their first hospitality venture together mid-2013, and are ready to