By James Atkinson
Following its recent acquisition of Como Hotel, the Riversdale Group now counts eight Sydney pubs on its books with plans for more.
CEO Patrick "Paddy" Coughlan told TheShout that the Como represented an excellent buy at its $4.6 million purchase price, especially considering the vendors purchased the pub for $6.5 million about four years ago.
"We look for value, and this was value. Unlike some of our other purchases, this does not need a huge structural renovation – just a repositioning and a re-brand," he said.
Bought by the Group last September, the Marlborough Hotel is currently undergoing such an overhaul at the hands of venue manager, Ritchie Haines.
Coughlan says this will include a new upstairs bar and kitchen modelled on America's deep south, with authentic cuisine and beverages celebrating that influence.
"It will be called 'Miss Peaches Soul Food Kitchen' – think cornbread sliders, blackfish poppers, lots of dark spirits, and some Yankee wine."
Another recent buy, Marrickville's Vic on the Park, has completed its renovation and will host a craft beer and cider festival in its carpark on March 16.
The event will feature over 60 beers and ciders from 18 different producers, stemming from Australia, USA and Germany, with opportunities to meet the brewers.
In keeping with its support for local business, inner West brewers Young Henry's & St Peters Brewery will be included.
The day will also include live DJ sets and beer-friendly meals from the Vic's kitchen and BBQ.