One of South Australia’s largest family-owned hotel groups, Matthews Hospitality, has finalised the purchase of iconic Art Deco pub, the Sussex Hotel at Walkerville.
The acquisition follows an expansion into world-renowned wine country with the purchase of the Bentleys Hotel in Clare, and recent upgrades of other regional venues the Eyre Hotel in Whyalla and the Mt Gambier Hotel. It also cements the group’s commitment to serving the growing population in the inner northern and eastern suburbs of Adelaide.
Matthews Hospitality General Manager Hospitality Lee Cook said the Sussex Hotel has been a strong supporter of the local community and an important feature of the thriving village precinct that is Walkerville.
“The establishment is well known in Adelaide’s inner north for its stunning original Art Deco design,” said Mr Cook.
Matthews Hospitality CEO Andrew Kemp said the latest acquisition was part of the group’s strategic transition.
“With apartment complexes being developed along northern suburban corridors and on the city fringe, we see a great opportunity to show the growing neighbourhood our brand of hospitality,” said Kemp.
“The Sussex Hotel is already a successful business with live entertainment, restaurant, outdoor beer garden, sports bar and gaming. We’re not going to change what local patrons know and love but we will look at how we can build on the offering.”
That strategic transition has also seen the group list the Buckingham Arms for sale after the successful rezoning of the site which was approved earlier in the year.
Kemp added: “We believe it is time to consider a change in the use of the Buckingham Arms site so that it can be better utilised for the community’s needs.
“As part of our strategy to focus on our core business of operating hotel venues, Matthews Hospitality also successfully sold Colhurst House, a historic B&B in the state’s south-east.
“Matthews Hospitality has a proud family history, legacy and values, and we continue to preserve and honour these qualities.
“We are looking forward to meeting the locals and serving the growing community of the inner north.”
Matthews Hospitality is owned by third-generation siblings Lisa, Scott and Ward Matthews. Following the purchase of the Sussex Hotel, the group now employs around 400 people across all of its venues.