Solotel has sold the leasehold operation of its Little Big House in Brisbane to a new local hospitality group.
New owners the Little Big House Project is fronted by managing director Brett Fitzpatrick, who previously owned Fitz+Potts in Nundah. He tips they will be thinking local, including showcasing producers and brewers.
“We’ve worked closely with the project management team at Winchester Group to ensure we’re delivering an exceptional food and beverage offering to rival some of Brisbane best pubs.
“With the ability to employ 45 staff from the local community and cater to 500-plus people, via function spaces, a café, private dining room and beer garden, this is going to be a great venue to socialise with friends, colleagues and family.”
Located underneath The Emporium in South Bank’s Southpoint precinct, the heritage-listed Collins Place structure was the cornerstone of the $600 million development.
Built 1889, the classic two-storey Queenslander was a residential home until 1984, then a restaurant during Brisbane’s Expo ’88 and later a police station. The Southpoint project saw it raised several storeys and construction undertaken below and around it.
The new hotel operation offers intimate indoor and outdoor spaces across multiple levels inside and outside, decorated with lush greenery, black and white tiles and timber floors.
Solotel won a bid for the hotel operation in 2017, throwing a grand opening later that year.
But the LBH did not resume after the pandemic shutdown, and in October Solotel listed the leasehold interest with 17 years remaining.
The sale has now been finalised and the Little Big House Project is expected to reopen in the next month.
“It’s a great venue and we wish the new owners all the best and look forward to seeing what comes next for Little Big House,” offered Solotel Group CEO Elliot Solomon.
The transaction was brokered by CBRE Hotels’ Paul Fraser, who says the market in the Sunshine State is thriving.
“The sale demonstrates the robust nature of the hospitality industry and the ongoing demand for high-profile pubs in key south-east Queensland locations, even during challenging periods.”
