Open & Closed

IRIS PLANS $100M DEVELOPMENT TO CREATE ‘INLAND CAPITAL’

Posted on October 25th, 2021 by Clyde Mooney
Sam Arnaout’s Iris Capital has announced plans for a massive $100 million redevelopment of its newly-secured Lasseters Hotel Casino. Iris settled last week on the $105 million April acquisition, formerly known as the Diamond Springs Casino, which opened in 1981,

SHORTY RESURRECTS THE REDFERN COURTESAN

Posted on October 22nd, 2021 by Clyde Mooney
Ending decades in the wilderness, Marty Short has reopened a local institution, pivoting the old Court House Hotel to become The Redfern. The original hotel was built 1853, before Tooths & Co constructed the current building in the 1920s. The

NEW ERA FOR THE LAUNDYS’ WOOLLY BAY

Posted on October 20th, 2021 by Clyde Mooney
The Laundy family is finalising a complete bottom-to-rooftop big-budget transformation of the historic Woolloomooloo Bay Hotel. Located on a sharp corner of Bourke St and Cowper Wharf Road, opposite the Finger Wharves, the original hotel was built 1873. Reschs Brewing

AVC BACKING BRISBANE IN ONGOING CAPEX PROGRAM

Posted on October 20th, 2021 by Clyde Mooney
Australian Venue Co has been investing heavily into Queensland, shelling out millions on redesigns at some of its Brisbane pubs. The Crown Hotel in Lutwyche will soon re-open after a $2.4 million renovation to the historic venue, boasting a stylish

MERIVALE REVIVES ALEX

Posted on October 15th, 2021 by Clyde Mooney
After five thirsty years awaiting some Merivale magic, the beloved and rescued Alexandria Hotel will soon officially open ‘Backyard at the Alex’. Billed as an “outdoor community hub” for socialising over great food and drinks, the fit-out takes inspiration from

BRIBIE ISLAND ‘NEXT CHAPTER’ UNDER CONSTRUCTION: AVC

Posted on October 13th, 2021 by Clyde Mooney
Australian Venue Co continues its major capex program into its Queensland pubs with transformation of the much-loved Bribie Island Hotel. A $2.2million renovation has begun, embracing “the island holiday life” through creation of a modern, coastal venue and entertainment hub

FORTITUDE VALLEY SAYS HI TO HEY CHICA!

Posted on September 17th, 2021 by Clyde Mooney
Fortitude Valley will swing to a new rhythm from tonight, courtesy of Hallmark Group’s new Latin American-style social club, Hey Chica! The new late-night venue is said to be the “closest you’ll get to Cuba without a passport” thanks to

SORRENTO’S CONTI TO REOPEN AFTER MASSIVE RENO

Posted on August 30th, 2021 by Clyde Mooney
Following its sale last year and a monumental $100 million renovation, Sorento’s exquisite Hotel Continental will return this year, with operations by publican Craig Shearer and team. Opened in 1875, the Hotel Continental is a heritage-listed landmark of the Mornington

100 BURGERS GETS PENNY BLACK BACK

Posted on August 6th, 2021 by Clyde Mooney
100 Burgers Group has revived the former Penny Black of Brunswick, sporting a streamlined moniker and nod to grungy 70s Japanese pop culture. Previously operated by Colonial Leisure Group, Penny Black was a haven for live music, with a big

AVC RESUME STUDENT STALWART THE HAWTHORN

Posted on June 25th, 2021 by Clyde Mooney
After nine months dark, AVC has this week reopened Melbourne institution The Hawthorn Hotel. The iconic 153-year-old pub closed in September 2020 due to the impacts of the coronavirus, but after a new deal was negotiated with the landlord and