Raw Group has been revealed as the new operators of Brisbane’s landmark Stock Exchange Hotel, slated to reopen in March.
Riversdale were the tenants at ‘The Stockie’ since 2013, after John Singleton’s Australian Pub Fund (APF) purchased it from Independent Pub Group and installed them as operators.
APF went on to divest the Hotel freehold mid-2019 to the Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane, which already owned the buildings either side.
But after a brutal year in capital cities, Riversdale terminated its lease and closed the pub last November, and in January the church was still considering what to do with its watering hole.
A new plan by Raw Group will effectively see the large-format three-level pub split into several offerings, with a push toward ‘light and bright’ female-friendly.
At street level the traditional public bar and the gaming room will be brightened through the décor and colours. Upstairs will sport distinctly different spaces, with a cocktail bar overlooking Charlotte St and a private function room for 125-pax. A new “beachy” look will transform the rooftop space.
Raw Group’s Adrian Rosato says he believes they have developed “a concept that will work well with the public”.
While on-trend craft labels such as Balter, Pirate Life and 4 Pines will find taps, there will be a big focus on cocktails.
From the kitchen will come classic pub dishes by executive chef Shaun Hunt, alongside international flavours that may include on-trend Mexican or Asian dishes.
Both interior levels will feature music, coming from DJs and live acts, and Raw Group has plans to draw younger patrons back on Sunday nights. The Stockie’s former hip-hop nights had previously proven very popular with Gen Zs.
Raw Group already holds a half-dozen Brisbane venues, including hotels the Beach House Bar & Grill, Commercial Hotel Nambour and Duporth Tavern, and hopes to resume trading at The Stockie next month.
