MELBOURNE CUP PUB ANTICS STEP UP
As Australia counts down to the ‘race that stops a nation’, venues count down to one of the year’s busiest days, with pack-leading promotions set to take place throughout the country. One of the cheekiest, Nick Wills’ Balmain Pub Group
LANTERN FINE-TUNES WITH THREE PUB SALES
The new board of Lantern Hotel Group has begun its portfolio shake-up, announcing the divestment of three “non-core” assets from its books. The ASX-listed Lantern (LTN) released news yesterday it would be selling three of its 17 pub assets, amid
PUB ‘KING’ BUYS PADDINGTON ‘HOTEL’ – EXCLUSIVE
Prominent hotelier Ben May has bought a Paddington ‘hotel’, in which he and wife Lucy will live. The heritage-façade Windsor Castle Hotel, on Windsor Street, has been sold by Rita and Peter Polovin, following an extended project to turn the
SPEW SINKS – NOW AVAILABLE
At least one British venue is reviving the near-forgotten practise of public purging, with specialised flushing vomit sinks installed into its toilets. Drawing on the tradition of spittoons – the usually brass receptacle commonly found in the early 20th century,
MPs TO VOTE DOWN LOCKOUT BILL
Independent MP Billy Gordon has come out against the controversial plan for State-wide lockouts in Queensland, announcing plans to team with two Katter Party MPs to veto the bill. The State election in January saw Queensland Labor vow to address
EXCHANGE HOTEL CHANGES HANDS BETWEEN PUBLICANS
Well-loved Goulburn pub the Exchange Hotel has sold to an established local publican, as regional assets continue to attract attention amid waning supply in Sydney. Built in 1872, the Exchange is one of the oldest pubs in the area and
AUSTRALIAN BREWERY POPULARITY GROWING OVERSEAS
Sydney’s Australian Brewery (AB) is getting closer to its goal to be Australia’s internationally recognised craft beer brand, with big success and exports in 2015 and even more slated for 2016. Located in Rouse Hill, the Brewery forms part of
CRAFT BEER AWARDS TOAST TASTES OF THE FUTURE
The Craft Beer Industry Association’s awards night took place last Friday, with the big winners emanating from both east and west. The star of night was Western Australia’s rebellious family-run operation, Feral Brewing Co, which offered judges its sour brew
NEWMARKET SALE OPENS DOOR TO MELBOURNE MARKET
Just two months after the leasehold business was sold to the booming Dixon Hospitality, Gerry Ryan’s Melbourne pub group is offloading the Newmarket Hotel freehold. Situated on a generous 1,000 m² block in bustling St Kilda, the hotel underwent an
SANDSTONE POINT RODEO BUCKS TREND
The pride of Moreton Bay kicked up its heels recently, with an all-bucking rodeo for an all-day family entertainment event. Open just five months, the Sandstone Point Hotel has already stunned the critics, dominating the recent QHA Awards for Excellence

