Australian Venue Co (AVC) has entered into an acquisition agreement for the Robe Hotel in South Australia.
Founded in 1847, Robe Hotel will become the oldest venue in AVC’s portfolio. The eponymous seaside pub is a favourite for locals and tourists, overlooking the Southern Ocean. It is the first post-COVID acquisition for the national hospitality group.
“Robe Hotel was founded in 1847 and becomes AVC’s oldest pub, in front of Melbourne’s Duke of Wellington which was founded in 1853. The acquisition allows us to grow our pub footprint in South Australia and this is a really iconic venue in the state,” commented AVC CEO Paul Waterson.
The 1,985 sqm metre venue includes a large lounge/dining area, front bar and gaming room. In the warmer months a beer garden and atrium with a separate bar are opened for the peak summer period. Sixteen accommodation rooms are housed on the first floor of the hotel.
Home to roughly 1500 residents, Robe is a popular South Australian holiday destination, and also one of the busiest fishing ports in the country.
“In a post-pandemic world, we are expecting that people will value their country and coastal pubs more than ever. AVC will continue to acquire hotels in these iconic locations with a view to maintaining their unique coastal feel,” stated Waterson.
Just prior to the COVID crisis, AVC was gearing up to purchase the majority of the Sand Hill Road portfolio in Melbourne including Hotel Esplanade, but the deal stalled just before settlement due to the pandemic.
Robe Hotel will join AVC’s stable of South Australian venues, including Brighton Metro Hotel, Hampstead Hotel and The Grand Junction Tavern. Settlement on the Robe Hotel is expected in late October.
Image: Robe Hotel (Facebook).