By James Atkinson
The new owner of popular Melbourne pub, the Great Britain Hotel in Richmond, has pledged to maintain the venue’s live music focus and support of local craft breweries.
The Melbourne Venue Company (also known as the Open Door Pub Co) recently confirmed it had taken over the lease of the Great Britain, ending the 18-year tenure of the previous operators, Chris and Penny Hodges.
Melbourne Venue Company CEO, Michael Thiele said that unearthing musical talent will remain integral to the pub, which will continue to host original live acts three nights per week.
“We understand the beauty of a historic pub with character and we are not about to mess with that,” Thiele said.
He said the only changes MVC has planned for the venue are upgrades of its bathrooms and beer system.
MVC, which launched the Walkabout pub franchise in the UK, will take over management of the venue in July.
Its existing portfolio of pubs includes The College Lawn, The Perseverance, Geebung Polo Club, Golden Gate, The Hawthorn Hotel, The Limerick, Provincial Hotel, Exchange Hotel, The Local, Terrace Bar and Brasserie, The Taphouse, The Mentone Hotel, The Imperial Hotels in South Yarra and Bourke Street, and the recently relaunched Duke of Wellington in the CBD.