Geelong star Billy Brownless has bought the Cremorne Hotel in his old team’s heartland from long-time owner Grant Ryan.
Located at 336 Pakington St, Newtown, the Cremorne boasts a large bar, beer garden, TAB and Keno, lounge and function areas and thriving food operation.
It has been operated for the past 14 years by Grant Ryan, who is about to execute a $1m makeover of his other pub – the Barking Dog, just two kilometres down the road, at 126 Pakington St.
Anthony William “Billy” Brownless was born in 1967, and played 198 games for Geelong over a 12-year career in the 80s and 90s, kicking 441 goals and 291 behinds. He has been a regular feature on the AFL Footy Show for over a decade.
Brownless already owns the Cumberland Hotel, in Castlemaine, but recently lost his other operation in South Geelong when the freehold was sold. He told the Geelong Advertiser he’s looking forward to the new second pub.
“It’s just perfect, obviously it’s a great location and what we wanted, we’re looking forward to getting in there and amongst it.
“You get the crowds from the footy obviously, it’s a good local establishment. The food is really good, Grant’s done a great job there with the meals, which are well priced. It’s got a good function area, TAB, it’s got a little beer garden and you don’t have to do anything.
“Just walk in and it’s all ready to go.”
Pending formalisation of the deal next month, the old Cat will take over with long-time partner Andrew Clarke, as Ryan says it was the right time to move on.
“We’re both very happy. I didn’t sign under duress and they didn’t buy under duress.”
Ryan and wife Kimberley have renovated the pub four times during their tenure, including the recent addition of Zizzi pizza and parmi restaurant.
“It’s an easy hotel to love, the Cremorne,” he said. “Great customers, never any dramas.”