By Vanessa Cavasinni, editor Australian Hotelier
The Esplanade Hotel in Queenscliff has been purchased by a consortium which includes the owners of Otway Brewing, makers of Prickly Moses beer and Forbidden Fruit cider.
In keeping with their focus on beer, The Esplanade Hotel will undergo renovations under the new ownership, and will be renamed The Queenscliff Brewhouse. This is the second pub operation from Otway Brewing, who opened The Great Ocean Road Brewhouse in Apollo Bay in March 2015. That has traded so well that The Queenscliff Brewhouse will follow a similar model, focusing on craft beer, regional wine and local produce.
“We have big plans for The Queenscliff Brewhouse,” stated company director Andrew Noseda. “There are some things which we hope to achieve before Christmas, like increasing the number of taps from eight to 20 in the main bar, and other plans which will unfold over the coming years.
“As in Apollo Bay, we plan to open a tasting room in Queenscliff where people can try local beer, wine and produce and experience what the region has to offer.”
While the pub will focus on craft beer, Noseda intends to make sure that all drinking preferences are catered to.
“We want The Queenscliff Brewhouse to be a place where everyone feels welcome. Whilst we want to showcase local craft beers and regional wines, we will also accommodate drinkers who prefer a more conventional drop.”
The new owners have also ensured that the former Esplanade Hotel staff have been retained. Fellow company director, Luke Moore, will take over the operations of The Queenscliff Brewhouse, after six years of managing the Wye Beach Hotel in Wye River.
“Luke will be a fantastic asset to our business and we’re extremely pleased to have him on board with us,” stated Noseda.
“We’re very excited to be starting this new venture in Queenscliff and we look forward to welcoming people to the venue when we take over.”
The new owners are expected to take possession of the hotel sometime this month.