Richmond’s heritage-listed Kingston Hotel has sunk into insolvency following an ATO wind-up order and rapid sale campaign.
Located only a few minutes from Melbourne’s CBD, the Kingston, one of the city’s most historic pubs, was established in the 1850s.
In the 1970s it was instrumental in the movement that saw inner-city pubs championing live music, playing host to big names, such as the Skyhooks. In the ‘80s it developed a reputation as a venue for gay women, under the guidance of the late Pat Longmore.
Like many, it closed during pandemic lockdowns, in early 2021. The De Fraga family took the opportunity for a comprehensive $1.5 million makeover, reopening mid-2022 with a revised interior and outdoor areas, and new restaurant Marble & Pearl, offering premium steaks and local seafood, cooked over a charcoal Parrilla grill.
Victorian hospitality stalwarts Jonathan and Chantal De Fraga hold the Kingston under their Trident Star Enterprises vehicle, along with their nearby Swan Hotel. The couple also owned Public House, also in Richmond, under Public House Consolidated. The hotel underwent an estimated $3 million renovation in 2020.
The family sold both the Swan and Public House to Australian Venue Co. late 2024, and according to a notice lodged with ASIC in April Public House Consolidated has now gone into liquidation.
In January the ATO issued a wind-up application to the Kingston through the Federal Court. If the court finds a debt is legitimate and the recipient cannot pay the money owed, the entity in question is typically put into administration.
However, the business went into voluntary administration, managed by Cor Cordis’ Daniel Juratowitch and Rachel Burdett, and the matter of the tax office’s application has been adjourned.
According to Cor Cordis the De Fraga family could propose a DOCA (Deed of Company Arrangement) with creditors, but one has not yet been officially proposed.
The administrators say they executed an Expressions of Interest campaign to sell the pub, which closed 23 April, and suggest there are now multiple interested parties “undertaking due diligence” on the asset.
A second meeting for creditors is not scheduled until July.
Cor Cordis did not respond to requests for further information prior to publication, but say they are carrying out their mandate and will keep creditors informed.
*Editor’s note: it is with great sadness PubTIC learns Jon De Fraga passed away recently.
