The historic Stockwell Hotel has closed its doors and is in administration, a little over two years since a multimillion-dollar renovation.
The Barossa Valley hotel was bought by the Hoffmann, Kellermann, Kirby and Schmaal families, creating the Stockwell Trading Company.
Mid-2019 they began an extensive $2.5 million refurbishment of the 1857-built pub, reopening mid-2021 under publican Brian Ivkovic.
But in a post last week on social media Ivkovic spoke of increasing costs, conflicts with the owners and “ongoing litigation” in his reasons for recent demise.
“It is with much Sadness and Regret that Stockwell Hotel has closed under its current Licensee,” he said.
“My family and friends have supported me through the tough times and now want to ensure my health and mental well being is the priority.”
On Tuesday last week the Stockwell Hotel shut its doors, entering voluntary administration with Pitcher Partners, which report it will take at least a couple of weeks to carry out their forensic accounting.
The pub employs around ten staff, and it’s said the head chef recently resigned and a replacement is proving difficult to find.
Ivkovic thanked many involved in the operation, including local suppliers, whose range of food and wine he says ensured “the best of what the Barossa has to offer” was on offer to every patron.
“Firstly, I would like to acknowledge my dedicated staff who have worked hard to give every patron a wonderful experience either dining at the hotel or just having a relaxing beer after work,” he said.
“Now to all the regular supporters of the hotel, either local or from afar, I will miss your banter, stories and in particular your friendship.”
