A bold vote of confidence in Southeast Queensland’s night-time economy has been made as billionaire pub powerbroker Nick Politis partners with venue group Artesian Hospitality to purchase a site in Surfers Paradise.
In January the partnership purchased a freehold worth $4.74 million under Polart Assets, which is jointly owned by Artesian Hospitality and Politis-owned NGP Investments.
The property is Artesian Group’s first freehold acquisition, which managing partner Matt Keegan says was a strategic move allowing the group to invest with a long-term mindset.
This will enable them to grow in a region that is expecting continued and renewed growth in hospitality.
Politis, currently chairman of the Sydney Roosters, recently purchased Brisbane’s Caxton Hotel, while Artesian Hospitality operates numerous venues across Queensland including Brisbane’s GPO precinct, along with the iconic Cali Beach on the Gold Coast.
This significant move will see the venue emerge as the Fig ’n’ Fox – an English-style pub strategically located on the corner of Elkhorn and Orchid Avenues.
The Fig ’n’ Fox will offer both indoor and outdoor dining options, a games space with electronic darts and pool tables, along with a large capacity basement-level live music venue.
The main focus, however, will be the traditional English menu, headlined by what’s billed as the “best Sunday roast”, led by UK-born Artesian Group executive chef Richard Harris, formerly of Rockpool Group.
Keegan said that further announcements will be made in the coming weeks regarding several other substantial developments currently underway.
Subject to approvals, the group expects to open the Fig’n’Fox ahead of the Easter surge.
