Family-owned Matthews Hospitality is expanding in its heartland with purchase of Bentleys Hotel, in South Australia’s Clare Valley.
Matthews is one of South Australia’s largest family-owned hotel groups, having owned, operated and sold a total of 36 hotel licences and freeholds over the years since its inception during World War II by Seymour and Doris (Dossie) Matthews.
Following purchase of Bentleys the group now employs around 350 people across its venues, which in metropolitan Adelaide include the Salisbury Hotel, Feathers, Maylands and Buckingham Arms.
Outside the capital the group holds the Eyre Hotel in Whyalla, the Mt Gambier, Park and South-Eastern Hotels, and Colhurst House B&B in the south-east.
The family operation’s first pub was a lease on the Bayview Hotel, in Whyalla, around four hours’ drive north of Adelaide. This inspired a dedication to and now proud history of becoming part of the regions in which it operates, achieved by “making locals feel at home and championing local produce and tourism”.
Bentleys, in the Clare Valley, less than two hours from Adelaide, is a further expansion of the group’s footprint, and follows completion of renovations at the Mt Gambier Hotel, and impending upgrade of the Eyre Hotel, beginning next month.
There are already plans underway for the iconic country pub in Clare, said to include improvements to the accommodation offering and functions, optimising tourist potential in the world-renowned wine region.
Group CEO Andrew Kemp says the acquisition is demonstration of their commitment to regional South Australia.
“We want to maintain everything the locals enjoy about the Bentleys Hotel, while enhancing its accommodation, function packages and strengthening links to local tourism.
“With state and international borders now open we are pleased to be part of driving the visitor economy in the regions through showcasing local produce and tourism experiences.”
Matthews is now on a recruitment drive, looking for locals to fill positions as venue manager, and likely bar and restaurant staff, through group manager of people & culture, Katy Sargent.
The Matthews family holds a legacy of pioneering innovation, laying claim to have established Australia’s first drive-through bottleshop, smorgasbord and counter meal, and a hard-hitting history in live entertainment, rocking bands and artists including AC/DC, Jimmy Barnes and Cold Chisel.
