Northern Grounds, the flagship joint venture venue buy ALH Hotels and Asahi Beverages, is now open.
ALH, Endeavour Group and Asahi Beverages have partnered on Northern Grounds, a flagship Great Northern venue on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
Built on the site of the former Waterfront Hotel in Diddillibah, Northern Grounds has been reimagined as a venue inspired by the spirit of a Queensland camping trip, following a $5.1m renovation. The concept blends the beloved features of a local pub, reimagined for the outdoors, with coal-cooked meals and flowing beers, located just metres away from the surf.
Speaking at the opening of Northern Grounds earlier in the week, ALH Hotels managing director Paul Carew remarked on the partnership on the venue.
“What connected the two brands is important, and this was a fairly traditional pub before this, so it was a bold move from both companies to partner on this one. But when you see the location and you see the way that it’s come up, it’s a perfect combination.”
David Stingl, commercial director – on-premise for Asahi Beverages said that bringing the Great Northern brand together with a venue that focused on celebrating the surrounding natural environment creates a unique experience.
“Although Great Northern is a brand loved by Australians all around the country, it was actually born in Queensland and what a perfect location on the Sunshine Coast. It’s such an iconic spot on the Maroochy river to actually launch such a stunning venue.
“The Great Northern brand is all about the great outdoors, and locals on the Sunshine Coast can now go and experience that in this venue… I think the locals can experience a true outback experience all the way from the way they interact with the venue, the sensory experiences and also just simple things, like a great food menu and a fantastic, Great Northern schooner. It’s all here at the venue.”
With a renewal program that tackles 30-35 of its venues across Australia per year, Carew said the group was “open to work[ing] with all of our different partners to see what works for both brands.”
Speaking of Northern Grounds, Carew stated: “Locals can expect to see a beautiful representation of the Great Northern brand.
“They’ll have a fantastic place to come and connect with friends and family over a drink, something to eat. It’s just a beautiful destination.”
Check out the video below of the newly opened Northern Grounds.