One of Queensland’s most renowned pubs, The Caxton Hotel, has been sold after almost three decades of ownership by the Farquhar family.
The Caxton Hotel, renowned as a pub with sport and nightlife at its heart, has been sold to Eumundi Group (with operations running under SEQ Hospitality) in an off-market transaction, backed by prominent investor and Sydney Roosters chairman Nick Politis. Industry figures have indicated the sale price at $50m.
The sale, negotiated by Leon Alaban and Drew Mitchell of Savills Australia and New Zealand, marks the end of nearly three decades of ownership and stewardship by the Farquhar family for one of Brisbane’s most iconic venues.
Located just 50 metres from Suncorp Stadium, The Caxton Hotel has long served as the unofficial headquarters for pre- and post-match celebrations for all sporting codes.
Its location on Caxton Street; a historic artery of Brisbane’s entertainment precinct, cements its status as a cultural cornerstone. Caxton Street itself has evolved over the past century into a bustling hub of pubs, restaurants, and nightlife, becoming inseparable from the identity of Suncorp Stadium. The street’s famed “running of the buses” tradition during Origin matches is a testament to its deep-rooted connection to Queensland’s sporting soul.
Originally established in 1864 and rebuilt in 1884 following a fire, the venue has played host to multiple generations of Queenslanders over 150 years.
Under the Farquhar family’s ownership, the Caxton has evolved into a multi-faceted hospitality powerhouse, including the award-winning Char Grill & Terrace Bar; the famed Cauldron Bar; as well as the introduction and revival of gaming facilities, function spaces, and live entertainment zones.
The Farquhar brothers were inducted into the AHA National Hall of Fame in 2023, in light of the way they had ingrained The Caxton Hotel into the Brisbane cultural echelon, and beyond.
The acquisition by SEQ Hospitality aligns with its broader strategy to expand its footprint across South-East Queensland. The Caxton Hotel now joins a portfolio that includes the Treetops Tavern, Burleigh, Queens Arms Hotel, New Farm, Ashmore Tavern, and Aspley Central Tavern. The freeholds of the majority of pubs in the Eumundi/SEQ stable were acquired earlier in the year by Fortitudo Group.
Backing the acquisition is Politis, one of the most influential figures in rugby league. His involvement in the purchase of the Caxton Hotel signals more than a business investment; it’s a symbolic alignment of rugby league’s heritage with one of its most iconic venues. Politis’ deep ties to the sport and strategic vision promise to elevate the Caxton’s legacy even further.
“The Caxton Hotel is a true Brisbane institution. Its acquisition by Eumundi Group, under the strategic direction of SEQ Hospitality and Fortitudo, reflects the ongoing strength of Queensland’s hospitality sector and the enduring appeal of landmark venues,” stated Alaban.