Castle Group Hospitality has launched in Melbourne with a variety of venues in its portfolio, including two pubs.
Castle Group Hospitality is one of Melbourne’s newest boutique hospitality groups, with the business owning venues in Fitzroy and Carlton.
Since taking over the operations of Arcadia cafe in 2020, the owners have since quietly taken the reins of Añada Spanish restaurant, vegan pub Green Man’s Arms, the Rochester Castle Hotel – better known as The Rochey – and, this month, opened hole-in-the-wall cafe Brewsmith.
Since the addition of The Rochey in August 2024, and knowing Brewsmith was in the works, the team decided it was time to establish a group for the individual venues to sit under – and so came Castle Group Hospitality. The group is focused on having diverse establishments in Melbourne’s inner north, rather than replicating one offering over various locations.
Castle Group’s hospitality focus is on the experience guests have, over and above the F&B offer. experience.
“We are all about creating moments that stick,” said co-owner Grant Turvey. “Castle Group is proud of its five inner north venues, each of which bring something different to the table.
“Our team is the heart and soul of the group and we have assembled a fantastic and diverse team of chefs, managers, front and back of house staff. We put emphasis on training so that our customers have the best experience possible. I can’t wait to see where Castle Group goes in the future.”
The two pubs within the Castle Group stable are the Green Man’s Arms in Carlton, and The Rochey in Fitzroy.
The Green Man’s Arms sits on the corner of Lygon and Elgin Streets in the heart of Carlton. With a 100 per cent plant-based menu, the pub is a destination for tasty and healthy cuisine. The menu caters for every dietary sensitivity and allergy. Standouts include the Mushroom Eye Fillet and Sticky Date Pudding. The pub is all about supporting local producers, which is why they always feature local craft brews and an entirely Australian wine list made up entirely of vegan wines.
The Rochey sits on Johnston Street in the heart of Fitzroy, and was particularly regarded from the 1970s to the 1990s as a cultural haven for musicians and artists. Late last year, after acquiring the hotel, Castle Group undertook a revamp of the venue, that was careful not to lose the relaxed, casual atmosphere the pub has been known for.
Fast forward to late 2024 and the pub has been given a much-needed revamp and refresh by new operator Castle Group, which made sure not to mess with the relaxed, welcoming vibe that people have always loved. The focus at the reinvigorated Rochey is friendly, familiar service that makes locals and those from further afield feel right at home.
The live music that The Rochey was known for will soon be revived, with ‘Upstairs @ The Rochey’ about to become the new spot for great local acts and intimate gigs. In addition to the formation of the hospitality group, Castle Group has launched Castle Events, which creates events including music, arts and corporate functions, as well as weddings and more at the group’s venues.