Institutional university pub the Hawthorn Hotel will live again in 2021, courtesy of an “innovative partnership” between Australian Venue Co. and Swinburne University of Technology.
The 152-year-old pub was built 1868, on a corner of Burwood Rd in the Melbourne CBD. It came to be surrounded by buildings of Swinburne University, and in 2015 the University acquired the freehold.
Australian Venue Co. (AVC) were already tenants at the Hotel, having previously acquired the portfolio of Michael Thiele’s Open Door Pub Co.
In Q3 of 2020 news broke “The Hawka” would close its doors, reportedly a victim to the impacts of the coronavirus. It came as many operators spoke of essential rent review negotiations in the wake of very different conditions since the pandemic.
A new agreement sees the pub headed for a reopening, replete with a refreshed offering of dining, socialising and event spaces.
“We are taking the opportunity to give the venue a facelift and create new areas for guests to enjoy,” reports Paul Waterson, Australian Venue Co CEO.
“We know that The Hawthorn Hotel is embraced by local students, so we will be ensuring it delivers everything they are looking for, from great food and drinks to a relaxing alfresco area.”
The transformation will see the bar and dining areas updated, the all-day dining menu refreshed, and a brand-new sports bar and outdoor area. AVC will continue operations, as part of its portfolio of more than 150 venues around Australia.
The Hawka will also boast a new dedicated space on the first floor for Swinburne staff and students. Use of this area will be “flexible” and allow for events and co-working opportunities, but also be available for community functions on weekends.
“We look forward to seeing the ground level turned into the beautiful pub it once was, as well as transforming the first level to create a flexible space that can be used to host Swinburne’s student, staff, alumni, industry and stakeholder events as we continue to create unique engagement experiences with those that are close to the university,” says Dr Andrew J Smith, Swinburne’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, Global & Community Engagement (Interim).
AVC has engaged architect Burton and Carter for the design. The company has history renovating and restoring Victorian pubs, including Port Melbourne’s The Local, Windsor Ale House, and Public House in Richmond and Albury.
“We look forward to inviting the local Hawthorn community back to their new-look pub in mid-2021,” says Waterson.
