AUSTRALIAN
AUSTRALIA’S NATIONAL HOTEL INDUSTRY MAGAZINE
Vol. 38 No. 8 - September 2021
Lyre’s Amaretti Sour IN THIS ISSUE: HR & SUPER | NO- AND LOW- ALC | LIVE SPORT
At just $1.50 per week the Hostplus admin fee is the lowest of the top 20 industry super funds.1 Combine that with top 3 returns for our default Balanced investment option over 5, 7, 10, 15 and 20 years to 30 June 20212 and it adds up to more super for you. Find out more at hostplus.com.au/low-fees
Hostplus. We go with you. 1. Source: APRA Annual fund-level Superannuation Statistics 30 June 2020, re-issued 26 March 2021. Top 20 industry super funds (not for profit) based on total assets under management. Administration fees comparison using SuperRatings SMART fees as at 14 May 2021 (Issued 24 November 2020 based on a super account balance of $50,000). 2. Source: SuperRatings Accumulation Fund Crediting Rate Survey SR50 Balanced (60-76) Index as at 30 June 2021. Host-Plus Pty Limited ABN 79 008 634 704, AFSL 244392 as trustee for the Hostplus Superannuation Fund (the Fund) ABN 68 657 495 890, MySuper No 68 657 495 890 198. This information is general advice only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider if this information is appropriate for you in light of your circumstances before acting on it. Please read the relevant Hostplus Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), available at www.hostplus.com.au before making a decision about Hostplus. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance and should never be the sole factor considered when selecting a superannuation fund. HP1546
CONTENTS & ED’S NOTE
WE ENCOURAGE RESPONSIBLE DRINKING Get the facts DrinkWise.org.au
Contents SPECIAL FEATURES 8 Queensland Report: A look at what’s
driving investor interest in the Sunshine State. 13 Super: Hostplus CEO David Elia
discusses the company’s merger with Intrust. 14 HR: The Third Place online marketplace Ed’s Pick
is linking pubs and remote workers.
18 No- and Low-Alc: New research points to
untapped potential for publicans.
P26 22 Live Sport: A brand new sports bar
plays a starring role at the Beenleigh Tavern.
REGULARS 6 News: What’s happening in pubs
across Australia. 26 Design & Build: Griffith’s Gem Hotel
steps in to service the thriving NSW wine region. 30 Tales from the Top: Melbourne café
operator Julien Moussi discusses his pub debut.
Editor’s Note It’s a pivotal moment in
In this month’s issue on p8, we take a
Delta as we await a
attracting investor interest.
and also more detail on A new system that links the Medicare
We also feature, on p14, an innovative
p18 to read the latest on the no- and low-
vaccinated staff and patrons to return to
alcohol boom, with research revealing some
venues when the time comes.
unrealised opportunities for pubs. Hang in there!
– who mostly comprise a younger group of adults who have only recently become eligible
Amanda Bryan, Editor
for vaccines – are given priority access.
E: abryan@intermedia.com.au
Summer bookings aside, one state that is
State is now being “loved to death” as people flock north.
4 | Australian Hotelier
GROUP ART DIRECTOR – LIQUOR AND HOSPITALITY: Kea Thorburn kthorburn@intermedia.com.au PRODUCTION MANAGER: Jacqui Cooper jacqui@intermedia.com.au
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army of remote workers who will soon be
check-ins is now being touted to enable
on its successful Olympics bid, the Sunshine
GENERAL MANAGER SALES – LIQUOR & HOSPITALITY GROUP: Shane T. Williams
venues as inspiring co-working spaces to the looking to escape their homes. And head to
seeing some upside is Queensland. Riding high
NATIONAL SALES MANAGER: Jason Wild Tel: 02 8586 6213 jwild@intermedia.com.au
online initiative called #WFHospo to promote
vaccination certificate with state-based QR
First though, it’s crucial that hospitality staff
EDITOR: Amanda Bryan abryan@intermedia.com.au
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look at this booming market, which is also
the role that venues will play.
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Australia’s battle with timetable for opening up,
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NEW
In the
news
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN PUBS ACROSS AUSTRALIA COOGEE BAY HOTEL PLANS $112M REBOOT
Redcape’s ASX rethink Difficulty securing investor support despite a string of strong results is behind a plan by Redcape Hotel Group to delist from the ASX after just three years of trading as a public company. The proposal, which was
An ambitious proposal to
announced at the same
revitalise Sydney beachside
time as its latest financial
icon, the Coogee Bay Hotel,
results, will see Redcape launch a $247 million buyback,
faces pushback from the
with shareholders able to opt to sell their stake through
local community, but
an off-market buyback at $1.15 per share, or remain
its owner, C!NC’s
invested in Redcape as an open-ended unlisted fund.
Chris Cheung, remains philosophical. The $111.7m redevelopment would see the eastern suburbs venue grow into a six-storey retail and accommodation hub with an eat street laneway. The heritage-listed pub and beer garden would remain and would feature smaller, more premium spaces within the pub itself, according to Cheung, who says he’s planned to redevelop the site ever since he bought the venue, which came with a DA, 30 years ago. In the current proposal, well-known music venue and nightclub
The plan was devised in response to what CEO Dan Brady describes as an “irrational” share price – which has remained stubbornly static since its initial listing price of $1.04 per share in November 2018 – along with difficulty in obtaining broader institution and retail investor support. The company last week reported a full-year net profit of $28m, up 153 per cent on the previous year, and Brady told Australian Hotelier that he was frustrated that
Selina’s, a boutique hotel, and an apartment block would be replaced
the share price did not reflect the value of Redcape’s
by a supermarket, 60 apartment buildings, a car park and an eat street
asset portfolio or investor demand for the sector.
precinct featuring eight new cafés and restaurants. It’s Cheung’s second attempt to redevelop the venue. 12 years ago he sought a DA on a 9-storey redevelopment, a proposal that also faced local community opposition. Cheung says that he respects the democratic process but hopes this proposal will be different. “I know all of the contention points, and we just have to go through the process, and hopefully reasoning and common sense will prevail.” Some local businesses are reportedly in favour of the Coogee Bay Hotel development, saying it’s time that section of Coogee Bay Road
“Support from investors is very high, but in an unlisted sense,” he said, and it was this “irrationality” that led Redcape to “review if the ASX was right the market for us”. Part of the problem, Brady said, was potential reluctance in the ASX investment community with regards to particular types of stocks. The end result, he said, was that the ASX listing was limiting the ability of the company to raise capital for future growth. Brady said the prime driver of the ASX listing had
was reinvigorated, but its opponents – who include Labor MP for Coogee
been to provide Redcape with enhanced access to
Marjorie O’Neill – say the six-story building would threaten the “low-
capital markets to help fund growth initiatives, to secure
scale, low-key look and feel of the Coogee village centre”.
more diverse capital, and to reward venue managers
O’Neil, who has launched a Save Coogee Village petition, notes that The Department of Planning has previously said development of the site
with share allocations. He believes an open-ended unlisted fund will provide
should be limited to 3 to 4 storeys along Coogee Bay Rd and Arden St and
a better environment for growth through acquisition at
up to five storeys in the south-western part of the site.
a valuation that is closer to parity with its pub assets,
In its DA application, C!NC is seeking variations to FSR and height limits from 12 metres to 23 metres in some parts. Cheung says that the aim is to diversify the land mix. “Our design takes into consideration both day and night and includes business and family use,” Cheung says. “Coogee is a well-kept secret, and we pride ourselves on being part of the community, but it needs to keep moving forward, and we can be a part of that.”
6 | Australian Hotelier
while at the same time providing shareholders with an attractive yield. “We can achieve all of this in an open-ended unlisted fund,” Brady says. “Our ability to raise capital in this unlisted fund will be much higher.” The delisting proposal will be put to the vote at an online meeting of shareholders this month.
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QUEENSLAND REPORT
Hot prospects in SEQ
With the Olympics heading to Brisbane in 2032, and domestic migration hitting new highs, we take a look at the South East Queensland pub market, and what’s driving investor interest in the Sunshine State.
QUEENSLAND IS NOW Australia’s top
of Brisbane, Ipswich, the Gold Coast, and
destination for domestic migration as people
the Sunshine Coast, and hosting the Games
escape the southern states in droves. As
in 2032 is expected to be a boon for the
the state that’s been least touched by Covid
economies and property markets of the region
lockdowns on Australia’s east coast, and
and the state in general.
with several massive infrastructure projects
gained the most people from net interstate
investors are looking in a northerly direction.
migration (more than 7,000) over the March
Brisbane’s Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner
2021 quarter, while Victoria lost the most
shares the optimism, describing the Olympic
(4,900), closely followed by NSW (4,500).
Games announcement as a “huge vote of
Anticipating the population surge, substantial
confidence in the future of Brisbane and will
infrastructure projects are underway including
be remembered in years to come as a pivotal
a $944 million urban Metro service and a $5.4
moment in the city’s history”.
billion second Cross River Rail project to be
The South East Queensland (SEQ) region spans the state’s major population centres
8 | Australian Hotelier
According to the latest ABS stats, Queensland
underway, it’s no wonder pub property
tunnelled under the Brisbane River. Even more investment will go into capital
QUEENSLAND REPORT
works in preparation for the world’s
Wills and Simon Tilley, operators of
premier sporting event with several
several Sydney pubs including Verandah
new sports venues in Brisbane, the
Bar and Greenwood Hotel which acquired
Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast,
The Elephant Hotel in Brisbane’s
proposed in Brisbane’s Olympic bid.
Fortitude Valley early last year (see box).
This spending is already generating economic improvement, jobs and real
Better yields
estate demand in SEQ, and the prospect
The SEQ pub market is a little
of hosting the Olympics in 10 years
different than the other states in a few
is expected to further turbocharge
ways, according to Paul Fraser, the
investment and development.
Queensland director of the CBRE Hotels
Individuals are not the only ones
Investment and Brokerage team.
on the march up north – interstate
For starters, he says, you can’t
hotel groups and funds from Sydney
sell liquor there unless you have a
and Melbourne are also migrating
full commercial licence, which has
northwards, buying venues north of
historically seen the retail giants Coles
the border, with many more looking,
and Woolworths (operated by AVC and
according to pub property brokers.
Endeavour respectively) owning a higher
Redcape and Waratah are in their
proportion of pubs in Queensland than
number, along with Melbourne-based
in other states, and this has tightened the
Craig Shearer and Sydney-based Nick
supply of venues on the market.
PAUL FRASER National Pubs Director +61 401 100 350
We have all these oncein-a-generation projects all happening now with an end goal of 2032. We’re looking at significant milestones for Brisbane, and that gives a lot of confidence to the city. Paul Fraser, Queensland director at CBRE Hotels
QUEENSLAND REPORT
“Obviously there’s also a bit of buzz
have realised that there is better perceived
income stream, so you may have bar
with the Olympics,” Fraser says. “There
value in South East Queensland. As more
food, accommodation, and gaming, which
are $65 billion in infrastructure projects
are priced out of the Sydney market, that
provides a more balanced business.”
happening right now, with 10 per cent
capital will start to migrate north.”
of Brisbane’s CBD currently under construction. “We have all these once-in-a-generation
Size matters
Pricing squeeze Ric Kebblewhite, director of Bradfield
Vice president of JLL’s Hotel & Hospitality
Advisors, a Sydney firm that co-invests with
projects all happening now with an end
Group Tom Gleeson says that while
publicans on assets, says he is increasingly
goal of 2032. We’re looking at significant
Sydney is still the most liquid market,
being asked by prospective partners to
milestones for Brisbane, and that gives a lot
and therefore more accessible, he agrees
inspect properties in the Sunshine State.
of confidence to the city.”
that groups are now looking at South East
Also, Fraser notes, pubs are allowed 45 gaming machines in Queensland versus 35
Queensland for better yields. Also, a significant amount of assets
“Some of the people we are working with are after large format sites. These operators are seeking a large venue where they can
in NSW, and another thing to consider is
above $10m are being bought by southern
deliver something unique to the market and
the impact of the Covid pandemic which
investors, he says, with size a priority for
create a real point of difference.”
has been weathered considerably better in
new entrants.
Queensland than in NSW and Victoria. “The cash flow has been superior in
“There’s a race to scale – groups are
He also points to the current access to cheap money as a contributor to
looking for assets that can do large
the migration of capital northwards,
Queensland pubs,” he says. “Because
numbers, whether that’s in gaming or
which he says is driving up prices and
pandemic responses are state driven, if
food and beverage. They want large-scale
creating competitive tension for assets
you have all your assets in NSW, you’ve
venues that move the dial.
in traditional markets like Sydney,
got no cash flow, so now funds that have
“A lot of Queensland pubs are quite big,
Melbourne and now Brisbane.
never had to deal with this before will
so even with Covid restrictions, they still can
need to start looking at geographical
get a fair few bodies into a venue because
prices, often at the expense of the smaller
diversification.”
the square meterage is quite large.”
guys,” he says. “In Brisbane, we see the
But most importantly, he says, Sydney
Gaming also plays an important role in
investors are buying on softer yields than
the SEQ market, according to Gleeson.
in Queensland, so it makes sense to start
“For venues without gaming, the buyer
migrating north.
pool definitely contracts,” he says.
“You have this demand, and because
“I put that down to two things – gaming is
“That is allowing the big guys to bid up
same scenario where the prices are getting pretty steep for up-and-comers. “Larger operators are interested in partnering with us because it means less money on the table from them. For the
Sydney yields have been incredibly tight
easier to do due diligence on as it is run by
smaller guys, our partners are usually
for the last four to five years, a lot of funds
a third party, and it also provides another
in a situation where they need a finance
10 | Australian Hotelier
QUEENSLAND REPORT
partner, as prices are now higher than they can afford by themselves,” Kebblewhite says. “We provide the balance sheet, and the hotelier provides the operational expertise. This gives smaller operators the firepower they need in this market.” Bradfield seeks a fixed income return, he says, meaning all the upside goes to the hotelier. It can also take care of all financing and structuring requirements, freeing up the hotelier to focus on operations.
Big footprints Tilley and Wills acquired The Elephant Hotel in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley early last year and have since renovated and rebranded the pub to its original name, The Prince Consort Hotel. Nick Wills says SEQ offers advantages over the southern states when it comes to yields and venue size, with most having a large footprint due to the greater space available. The Prince Consort Hotel, for instance, has been reconfigured into an “eight-bar collective” that includes a cantina-style food offering, a sports bar, beer garden, cocktail lounge and a live-music venue.
Typically, Bradfield shares the equity requirement for a purchase which reduces the hotelier’s equity contribution. This allows them to grow faster than they otherwise could. Kebblewhite says the group has completed 40 of these co-investment programs across multiple industries in Australia and has only recently introduced its model into the hotel space, so far co-investing in assets in Sydney and the NSW mid north coast. Whatever form it takes, one thing is for sure – as investment heats up in SEQ, along with jobs and demand for property, this will further turbocharge development and in turn, spell big changes for the SEQ pub landscape.
“We love venues with scale and this one presented itself in a precinct that is developing, and we thought it was something we could have a bit of fun with in terms of unique activations and concepts,” Wills says. And if the right market opportunity presents itself, he says, the group may buy more Queensland pubs. “We’ve been hurt down in Sydney. Brisbane is the only place where we’re still trading.” The Olympics adds an extra dimension to South East Queensland, Wills says. “We think it’s great. The years leading up to the Olympics and the Games themselves will be huge and we can do a lot of activations around that. We’ve also got the women’s World Cup coming up in Brisbane 2023 so there’s lots of great stuff coming.”
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HUMAN RESOURCES
Keep them coming back Paul Hadida, general manager Australia at SevenRooms, shares his tips for attracting and retaining staff in the coming months as restrictions and lockdowns lift. THE HOSPITALITY industry is transient,
Hadida says that once you have their
shortages include creating the right
and a large part of the workforce is made
attention, make your offer appealing.
environment so they’ll recommend you to
up of international students and short-term
“Many people seeking work in the
others who are looking for a job, or even
visa holders. Ongoing international border
hospitality industry will be doing so as
return themselves one day.
closures are unlikely to lift until next year,
a short-term commitment, so highlight
“Technology is a great way to do this.
which means that even when lockdowns
benefits that will be appealing to them.
Front-of-house hospitality staff often come
and restrictions lift, staff shortages are
“Talk about your environment
from younger demographics, who have
likely to continue, impacting customer
and culture, your perks, mentoring,
grown up with and expect technology in
service, and in turn, business.
training and incentives, how their work
every aspect of their lives. Technology can
can fit around other life and studying
help them be more effective and efficient
of the hardest hit by the pandemic, and
Because the industry has been one
commitments, the skills they’ll develop, the
in their jobs, helping to retain staff who
remains vulnerable to ongoing snap
technology they’ll have access to, and the
appreciate the ease of operations with tech.
lockdowns, this could contribute further
growth opportunities you can provide.”
to a lingering reluctance to work in the industry until there is greater stability. Paul Hadida, general manager
Training tips
“Eliminate paper invoices, manual inventory processes and pen and paper reservations. These processes create
Training and development are also excellent
additional work for your team and could
Australia at SevenRooms, a tech platform
ways to retain existing staff, he says, as
lead to higher turnover. By digitising all of
that focuses on guest experience and
this can increase loyalty and morale among
your historical manual tasks, you’ll save your
retention, says for these reasons, hoteliers
current staff, and also acts as an appealing
staff time, which they can spend providing
must brush up on methods to attract and
incentive to attract new hires.
better service and experiences to customers
retain staff as lockdowns and restrictions start to lift around the country. “I’ve worked in and around hospitality for
“It’s important to encourage and reward on-the-job learning. For example, if you
– ultimately benefiting your bottom line.” Hadida says that taking this a step further
have a back-of-house team member, offer
and incorporating connected data-driven
most of my career, from running a cafe in
them the opportunity to work behind the
platforms can also help venues overcome
Sydney to currently leading APAC operations
bar or on the restaurant floor, or teach a
short-term staffing challenges and pursue
for SevenRooms.” Hadida says. “When
new employee how to schedule rosters,
long-term growth and marketing strategies.
demand is high but the supply low, making
carry out stock checks and order inventory.
your venue stand out as an appealing,
“We’ve seen so many venues across
“These may sound like minor things,
Australia use SevenRooms to do more with
friendly and exciting place to work can also
but they are all skills that help them level
less, creating exceptional experiences with
make a big difference in recruiting efforts.
up in their careers. The confidence and
their existing staff that defy the current
empowerment your staff will feel as a result
situation,” he says.
“The first step for attracting staff is finding the right channels to promote your roles. For example, the government is
is incredibly valuable.”
“As the local situation evolves over the coming months, technology can empower
lifting the cap on international students,
Tech appeal
so advertising across university career
According to Hadida, other steps
situation, to offer the experiences that
boards is a great way to attract talent.”
operators can take to help ease staffing
drive guest loyalty and increase revenue.”
12 | Australian Hotelier
businesses, irrespective of the staffing
SUPERANNUATION
A super merger Following a strong year in super, Hostplus CEO David Elia discusses the company’s merger with Intrust, as well as changing employer obligations, and what this means for pubs. AFTER A year of uncertainty and
These will include more details about
challenges due to the COVID-19
how super administration processes will
pandemic and its knock-on effects
work going forward. Work is underway to
for Australia’s economy, markets
ensure that employer service programs
and community, Hostplus delivered
and key contacts will remain the same, in
impressive performance in 2020-21,
order to assist Intrust Super employers
according to its CEO David Elia.
with the transition.
“Investment markets broadly recovered from the downturn of early 2020, and thanks
Changing super obligations
to Hostplus’ long-term investment strategy,
Hostplus is also helping prepare
the Fund was able to weather this downturn
employers for some changes to their staff
and was well-placed to take advantage of
the Fund’s strong focus on these sectors
onboarding processes that are coming into
the ensuing recovery,” he says.
will continue,” Elia says.
effect from 1 November, Elia says.
As a result, Hostplus delivered its best
“Our merger with Intrust will expand
Currently, most staff will join their
ever single-year performance across a
Hostplus’ size and scale, which will
employer’s default fund when they start
range of investment options for the year
help ensure the continued growth,
work. From 1 November 2021, under new
ended 30 June 2021.
competitiveness and success of the
super reforms, new employees that already
merged fund. Both funds are working
have a super fund will instead be ‘stapled’
a market-leading net return of 21.32%. This
together to bring enhanced services and
to their existing super fund, unless they
is the best annual result for this option in
benefits to members and employers as a
choose another fund to be stapled to.
the Fund’s 32-year history . Both Indexed
result of the merger.”
First-time entrants to the workforce will be
The Balanced (MySuper) option delivered
1
Balanced (18.88%) and SRI Balanced
Elia says he anticipates further mergers
‘stapled’ to the first super fund they join.
(21.82%) also achieved best-ever results .
within the super industry over the next
This could be a fund they have chosen, or
Super is about investing for the long
few years, so for Hostplus and Intrust
the default fund used by their first employer.
2
term, according to Elia, and Hostplus
Super, it’s a great opportunity to combine
has built an investment strategy with the
their competitive advantages to benefit
Your Super’ aim to reduce the creation of
long-term horizon in mind. Over rolling
members now.
duplicate accounts when workers start
5, 7, 10, 15 and 20 year periods, its
“It’s great news for the hospitality
“The reforms, known as ‘Your Future,
new jobs,” Elia says. “From 1 November,
Balanced option ranked one of the top
industry and pub owners across Australia,
employers will need to check with the ATO
three options.
as this merger will mean as an employer,
to see if a new employee has an existing
you’ll no longer need to choose between
super account. If the new employee
two great hospitality-focused super funds
doesn’t have one, and they don’t wish to
as your preferred default fund.”
nominate a fund, that employee can join
A merger with Intrust Super It’s also been a time of growth and development for Hostplus. Earlier this
The merger is scheduled to take place
the employer’s existing default fund.”
year the company announced that it and
on 26 November 2021, and Intrust Super
another hospitality focused industry fund,
members will be receiving information
FAQs to assist employers with these new
Intrust Super, would merge later this year.
about their investment options, super
obligations and these will be available on
products and insurance arrangements
its website.
in the hospitality, tourism, recreation and
post-merger. Intrust Super employers
1
sports sectors, and its for-member profit
will also be receiving comprehensive
ethos. Thanks to this common heritage,
information packs.
“Intrust Super shares Hostplus’ heritage
Hostplus is developing factsheets and
SuperRatings Accumulation Fund Crediting Rate Survey – SR50 Balanced (60-76) Index, 30 June 2021. SuperRatings Accumulation Fund Crediting Rate Survey – Balanced (60-76), 30 June 2021. 2
September 2021 | 13
REMOTE WORKING
Co-working hub in the pub The local pub could soon be a haven for Australia’s remote, hybrid and flexible workforce, thanks to a new online marketplace called Third Place.
AS EXTENDED Covid lockdowns look
Third Place enables people to book
allowance to spend on food and beverage
set to change our working patterns for
a space in which to work alone or with
good, a new initiative called #WFHospo is
colleagues and clients from a pub, lobby
promoting the co-working movement on
or café, for a morning, an afternoon or
is already on board, and through its
behalf of pubs, hotels and cafes.
for two hours – whatever suits them,
partnership with the AHA, Third Place is
Tired of being stuck at home, workers
while working at there. Australian Liquor Marketers (ALM)
according to Third Place founder and chief
taking the marketplace to its corporate
have begun heading to cafes, co-working
marketing & growth officer Paul Veltman,
partners, including Nestle, Pepsico,
spaces and even pubs the world over to
and the benefit works both ways.
Bunnings, Bank of Melbourne, CUB,
avoid the pitfalls of #WFH: distraction, monotony, loneliness, and work-life balance.
“From a pub’s perspective, they can attract a new stream of food and beverage
Lion, Thirsty Camel, Red Bull and Johns Lyng Group.
The promoter of #WFHospo is Third
revenue into the venue during off-peak
Place, an online marketplace (www.third-
periods when they don’t get much foot
a need for Third Place personally with the
place.org) created by an Australian tech
traffic,” he says.
company’s HQ closed due to Covid. He
startup of the same name that helps remote,
ALM’s GM Jeremy Goodale says he saw
says it gave him a way to arrange face-to-
hybrid and flexible workforces to find and
Corporate backing
book inspiring hospitality workspaces.
Importantly, Third Place is onboarding
and he used the marketplace to book
some weighty corporate partners which it
hospitality venues for their meetings.
Third Place, so-named because it offers
face meetings with the leadership team,
a balance between working from home
hopes will sign up to use the marketplace
(the ‘first place’) and working from the
as an inexpensive way to support
transaction is mutually beneficial – he
office (the ‘second place’), is rolling out in
remote, hybrid and flexible workers
gets the use of a venue that suits his work
collaboration with AHA Victoria and Tourism
by giving them a way to book inspiring
needs, and at the same time, provides the
Accommodation Australia (TAA) Victoria.
workspaces, and by providing a monthly
venue with much-needed business.
14 | Australian Hotelier
Goodale says he likes the fact that the
REMOTE WORKING
Publican’s perspective Hospitality One has listed its Melbourne pub, Common Man, on Third Place. Area manager Sam Shaw says that Covid-19 has taught businesses that they need to be flexible when it comes to finding new markets and embracing change. The Common Man is located on the banks of the Yarra and features a massive outdoor lawn, has free wifi, power access, privacy, a tasty F&B menu, and great views of South Wharf, making it well suited to remote workers. Shaw says he’s seen an uptick in workers setting up camp for the day at the pub, and by listing on Third Place, the vision is to provide exceptional experiences to this new segment of the corporate market, providing them with “inspirational spaces as an alternative or balance to working from home or the office, coupled with our amazing food and beverage options”. “We believe that the obvious thing missing with the restrictions is the face-to-face interactions that would usually occur in offices, meeting rooms and convention spaces,” he says. “Pubs and other hospitality venues have the infrastructure to bridge the gap in the market that exists due to the lockdowns and restrictions. “The opportunity is to increase sales and patronage at non-peak times, “From my personal experience at the moment, we see this as a valuable marketplace,” he says.
The right venue For venues, the suggested requirements are power
that is, Monday to Friday during the working week. Long term we think it is essential to start to re-define the thinking around what a pub or venue represents and take the opportunity to re-enforce that pubs can be much more than just a place to have a beer.” Peter Sullivan, GM at Hyatt Place Melbourne, Essendon Fields, which is
point access and free wifi, and multiple spaces can be
also on Third Place, says, “in our new environment of pivoting, we felt that
listed within one venue. Signing up is easy and there’s
this was a good initiative for us to be involved in.”
no cost to list. So far, around 2,000 venues have signed up, including ALH Group, Hyatt, IHG, Accor, The Sebel, Rydges, Crowne Plaza, and The Ascott. Mike Barouche, GM of AHA Victoria, says members have the perfect places and spaces for its corporate
When the pandemic first hit, he says, Hyatt Australia introduced a similar concept in ‘Work from Hyatt’. “Once lockdowns end and restrictions ease, we acknowledge that employees will develop their individual routines and can make use of ‘third place’ venues to assist in their own work-life balance.”
partners to be seen as an employer of choice. “I’m aware as an employer that to look after the mental health of our team, you need to be flexible and help them get out of their homes and be productive, and that could involve picking up the cost of snacks and lunch for them in a first-class hospitality venue near their home, but not in their home.” Veltman says, “While it’s a difficult time being in lockdown in most parts of Australia, we’re finding that it’s an opportune time to get a positive message out, build awareness and get the hospitality industry listed on our marketplace to be ready to welcome new corporate customers when things start to open up again.” Third Place is now live in Victoria, and is rolling out to other states, starting with NSW and then Queensland.
September 2021 | 15
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AUSTRALIAN
NO- AND LOW-ALCOHOL FEATURE
NO- AND LOW-ALCOHOL
NEW BREW goes national
As Great Northern Zero rolls out Australia-wide, the non-alcoholic brew is attracting healthy sales. AFTER A strong launch in Queensland and The Northern Territory, Great Northern Brewing Co has burst onto the national scene with its first nonalcoholic beer, Great Northern Zero. Within four months of its launch up north, it shot to the top of its category, says Lauren Fildes, who is Head of Contemporary Brands at Great Northern Brewing Co, and testing of the product was very well received. This success led to its national launch in June, and just weeks later, Great Northern Zero became a top-selling non alcoholic beer in Australia, she says. The Great Northern Zero recipe has gone through a special alcohol removal process and then blended to create a crisp beer. According to Fildes, Great Northern Zero has a fruity aroma that carries through to the palate with a subtle bitterness and a clean finish. The move by Great Northern Brewing Co to create a non-alcoholic beer reflects the growing demand amongst Australians for alcohol-free beer options, Fildes says. In the 12 months to July 2021, the zero-alcohol beer segment has nearly doubled, and the market is expected to be worth $135 million by 2025, she says. “Since Great Northern Zero launched nationally, most markets have seen growth in zero-alcohol beer’s share of total beer.” ABS data shows Australians are increasingly moderating their alcohol intake and research released this year predicts demand for low and no alcohol beverages in ten key countries, including Australia, will continue to grow in the next five years. Fildes says consumers have become more conscious of what they consume, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. “Men and women are both seeking non-alcoholic beer with the strongest demand coming from those aged 25 to 45,” she says. According to Fildes, typical Great Northern drinkers are an outdoorsy lot who want the freedom to 4WD, boat, fish, kayak or hike and still enjoy a cold Great Northern with their mates. “Great Northern Zero is the perfect alternative for those who want to enjoy the freedom of having a cold beer with mates but still be able to enjoy the Great Australian outdoor lifestyle – whether it be boating, fishing or fourwheel driving.” Great Northern Ambassador and Outback Wrangler, Matt Wright agrees, describing Great Northern Zero as “the perfect accompaniment to a day spent in the great outdoors”.
NO- AND LOW-ALCOHOL
AUSTRALIAN CONSUMERS have moved ahead of the global curve in the adoption of no- and low-alcohol beer, cocktails, wines and spirits, according to new research from CGA. It has also found that pub operators have some catching up to do to capitalise on the movement. While one in 10 patrons are now choosing these drinks when out, the boutique research firm says it has found relatively low visibility of No and Low drink alternatives in venues, representing an on-premise opportunity to drive sales. “The category isn’t yet as visible in Australia as it could be. Only three in ten (29 per cent) consumers say they have seen the no and low alcohol beer trend in pubs and restaurants – seven percentage points below the global average,” CGA reports. Commenting on the finding, Graeme Loudon, CGA’s managing director, EMEA & APAC, believes many venues are yet to catch up with the trend, with operators “yet to be convinced that there is rationale to invest”. CGA’s OPUS research in Australia is based on a survey of around 3,000 nationally representative consumers and includes important analysis of drinkers’ demographics and behaviours. For instance, No and Low alcohol alternative drinkers tend to be younger and slightly more frequent visitors to venues. Also, these consumers are typically more likely to go out for “high tempo” occasions than the average Australian patron, according to the research. Some of the current market momentum is believed to be pandemicrelated. “In a sign that the crisis has focused many consumers’ minds on health and alcohol consumption, one in four (25 per cent) of these drinkers
Opportunity
knocks for No and Low New research points to untapped potential for publicans in the no-and low-alcohol category.
say they are drinking No and Low alternatives more often than they did before COVID-19,” CGA says. “Only 15 per cent say they never drink alcohol in the On Premise, which suggests the category’s rise is being powered by consumers moderating their alcohol intake, rather than abstaining completely.” Loudon believes driving this is a more “health-focused consumer base who is engaged with the On Premise”.
Premium possibilities CGA also says the research shows drinkers are seeking high-quality offerings and are keen to experiment with new beverages. “Two in five (40 per cent) strongly agree that they typically drink highquality and expensive drinks – six percentage points higher than the allAustralia average,” the research found. “Well over half (56 per cent) agree they like to experiment with new flavours or varieties of drinks – a major over-indexing of 13 percentage points.”
NO- AND LOWALCOHOL NoLo Tips for hoteliers LAUREN FILDES, HEAD OF CONTEMPORARY BRANDS AT GREAT NORTHERN BREWING CO: Build awareness, unlock the right occasions, and understand when and why it fits patrons’ needs. Examples of this could be the time of
According to CGA, while 43 per cent of
Great Northern Brewing Co can attest to this.
day or the purpose of their
average Australian patrons typically chose the
Having recently launched its first non-alcoholic
visit, for example popping in
same drinks in venues after the first lockdown,
beer, Great Northern Zero, nationally, the
for lunch before going back
No and Low drinkers have exhibited an affinity
brand has seen strong sales, driven by younger
to work.
for experimenting with different flavours,
more health-conscious drinkers, says Lauren
varieties and brands.
Fildes, who heads up Contemporary Brands at
“Appealing to this propensity to experiment with unique or different products and strategies
Great Northern Brewing Co.
AVC’S BOBBY HENRY, COMMERCIAL BEVERAGE MANAGER:
“Consumers have become more conscious
Just having it available is
of what they consume, particularly during the
a massive step in the right
COVID-19 pandemic. Men and women are both
direction. We use Mr Yum
brand Lyre’s Spirit Co which makes a range of
seeking non-alcoholic beer, with the strongest
digital menus as a quick
mimic spirits such as gin, bourbon. The range
demand coming from those aged 25 to 45.”
and easy way to promote
can provide a key opportunity for NPDs,” it says. Tapping into this trend is no-alcohol spirits
includes its Dry London Spirit, Italian Spritz, Amaretti, and American Malt. “We’ve found that consumers are opting to visit venues that offer a sophisticated range of
Australian Venue Co. (AVC) recently launched a drinks menu specifically targeting the No and Low consumer. Called Zero Proof, the drinks menu has
non-alcoholic options, to cater for all the guests
rolled out in 57 of its venues, and Bobby Henry,
they’re dining with,” Lyre’s ANZ sales manager
commercial beverage manager, AVC, says so
Kelli Odell says.
far, the launch has been incredibly successful,
Odell likens it to the vegetarian movement of a few years ago when venues began to offer premium alternatives to those who chose not
Proof drinks to the standard category lists to increase visibility of these products, so you don’t have to go searching to find them. LYRE’S ANZ SALES
this year.
MANAGER
Henry says beers are the biggest seller for the group – double all other products
for a delicious non-alcoholic cocktail, and
combined, but the uptake on cocktails has also
venues are up-selling them from a soft drink,
been really strong.
Lyre’s sales, she says, are reflecting the
We’ve also added the Zero
seeing 400 per cent growth since January
to eat meat. “Consumers are willing to pay
juice or water.”
our Zero Proof offering.
“It’s been a really valuable addition to our offering,” he says. “We’ve always had some
KELLI ODELL: Make it easy to find is our tip. 42 per cent of people expect to find non-alcoholic drinks on a menu within a dedicated no-alcohol section or separate section,
demand. “We’ve seen a triple-digit increase
non-alcoholic offerings in our venues – mainly
in sales across retail, on premise and online
beer, but since the launch of the list, we have
in Australia. Even through COVID lockdowns
seen a dramatic uptake of the additional
venues put an asterisk next
we’ve managed to grow our distribution network
products.”
to cocktails on the menu
and sales volume month on month.”
Category counts When it comes to choosing between No and Low categories in venues, almost two in
As attitudes towards alcohol consumption in
conducted. We also suggest
that can be made as a
Australia change, Loudon says that the No and
non-alcoholic version, and
Low category is “primed for some significant
activate across lunch meal
growth in the years ahead”. This indicates a large opportunity for more
five consumers still opt for No or Low beer
listings of No and Low alcohol alternatives in
according to CGA, making it the most popular
Australian venues, he says, to meet growing
No or Low serve.
consumer demand.
20 | Australian Hotelier
based on research we’ve
deals, degustation pairings and promote over various months of the year that are ‘dry months’ such as Dry July and Sober October.
LIVE SPORT
Beenleigh Tavern sports a new look
A brand new sports bar is set to play a starring role at the Beenleigh Tavern in Logan, Queensland. THE BEENLEIGH Tavern has thrown the
AV ADVANTAGE
in your bones. It’s not loud – it’s more of a
doors open on a significant renovation of
Scott Martin, area manager at Australian
guttural feeling in your stomach, and you
its sports bar, bistro and gaming room.
Venue Co. oversees the group’s venues
just can’t get that at home.”
south of Brisbane including Beenleigh
When it comes to programming, AVC
revitalise the longstanding local pub
The $1.45 million makeover aims to
Tavern. He says his venues, which also
uses Foxtel’s MatchPint across the group,
and to bring it back to the community,
include Burleigh Town Tavern, Ferry Road
and Beenleigh Tavern is no exception,
according to Craig Ellison, COO at AVC
Tavern, Hope Island Tavern, and Runaway
Martin says.
Australian Venue Co.
Bay Tavern, are among the strongest
The venue upgrade is one of a string of renovations by AVC that aim to revitalise
sports bars in Queensland. “These all have vibrant sports bars
MatchPint is a website and app that lets consumers find out which venues are broadcasting the sports matches they want
the pub landscape in Queensland. A major
and all of them have recently had AV
to watch in their local area, and it is also
focus of the Beenleigh Tavern renovation,
upgrades,” Martin says.
proving to be a very useful tool when it
given its live entertainment ambitions, has been the venue’s spacious sports bar. “It’s a large space, and we’ve designed it with a busy line-up of live entertainment and activity in mind – such as live music, sport, karaoke, trivia and open mic nights.”
The Beenleigh renovation takes advantage of the venue’s spaciousness
comes to sports programming, Martin says. “You can go in and organise an entire
and high ceilings, with the new HD screens
week. There’s so much on and MatchPint
positioned much higher than previously.
helps us to coordinate this.
“The sound quality is clean, we have
“It’s pretty user-friendly, and is
four 85-inch HD TVs offering a really clear
routinely part of our weekly line-up, and
The sports bar has a new 6x4 metre
picture, and a very large screen projector
it allows us to present a much better offer
stage with a state-of-the-art PA System
dedicated to sports and racing. Because
to consumers.”
and new HD screens, says Ellison.
they are positioned up high, the whole bar
“There are plenty of TVs, so customers won’t miss a second of the big games, and a new bar and more comfortable fit-out.”
22 | Australian Hotelier
gets a good vantage point. “Now you can sit anywhere in the public bar and see sport, and you can also feel it
INDUSTRIAL CHIC The sports bar also has a whole new look, drawing on an industrial style with
LIVE SPORT
Now you can sit anywhere in the public bar and see sport, and you can also feel it in your bones.
exposed brick and wood-panelled
encourage a dance floor, but these
walls with high tables.
days they’re creating a more mellow
“We’ve gone back to the warmth of old oaky timber and brick, and the acoustics are awesome,” Martin says. The sports bar will double as
atmosphere to suit a seated audience. “They’re focusing more on the musicianship, rather than high energy, for the time being. It brings
a music venue and will also host
a unique perspective to the live
frequent, big-ticket live music gigs
music experience.”
and events – the venue hopes to
The pub’s bistro has also re-
position itself as the premier live
opened with a new look and menu of
music venue in between the Gold
pub classics and sharing plates and
Coast and Brisbane.
features low tables, banquettes, a
“We’re creating the best live music destination in Logan, to attract local acts and major touring bands to Beenleigh,” says Ellison. With Covid space restrictions in
bistro bar, greenery and a children’s play area. “With the bistro, we wanted to make it more family-friendly, with a beautiful new fit-out and delicious new menu
mind, however, a lot of the musicians
that has something for everyone, and
AVC works with are shifting their
offers amazing value,” Ellison says.
sound and their performance to suit
“The new-look verandah is the
an audience who must stay seated,
perfect place to make the most of
he says.
the Queensland sunshine and will
“In the past, we’ve asked artists to bring a high energy atmosphere to
be home to our new Publicans BBQ every Friday.”
September 2021 | 23
ADVERTORIAL
London Tavern Hotel
scores points with new sports fans Footy fans are the lifeblood of Melbourne’s London Tavern Hotel, and thanks to Foxtel and MatchPint, the pub is now attracting new types of sports fans.
24 | Australian Hotelier
The London Tavern Hotel is located only a few
hadn’t come to watch the game specifically. But
drop kicks from the Melbourne Cricket Ground in
the whole pub was so excited and celebrating
Richmond, so it goes without saying that it has a
every point together.”
strong connection with sport. Patrons come to the pub to watch live sport, and
A new crowd
to do so as part of a community with mates and
Sport is engrained in all aspects of the pub, and a
other supporters.
key goal has been to broaden its patronage beyond
“The London Tavern is a pub that is for the people, and we pride ourselves on our connection
just football. “We’ve been working on not relying solely on
to the community, says the venue’s general
football. It’s no longer just the footy crowd that
manager, Gina Cimarosti. “Sitting in our beer
comes here. We’ve got the NRL crowd and the
garden feels like you’re in a mate’s backyard, and
soccer crowd,” Cimarosti says.
that’s what locals love about the Tav. “We’ve had times where after a Richmond
“Our pub has traditionally been seen as an AFL pub, and we’ve always had a good crowd that
game, the pub just erupts with people singing the
comes in for the footy. We saw an opportunity
Richmond theme song. Or other times, like when
with MatchPint to show that we’re not just a footy
Ash Barty won Wimbledon, and most people
pub. So now because we list everything we’re
ADVERTORIAL
going to be showing on the big screen, we’re seen as an avenue for all different sports.” MatchPint is a website and app that allows venues
“Because we have so many staff here, and a lot that don’t follow what’s going on in the sport world, it makes it easier for them. I print out the pdf and put
to list specific fixtures so that fans can find which
it up at the start of the week, so that staff know what
venue closest to them is showing the big game.
sport should be showing at any given time.”
All major sporting codes and channels are represented, including Main Event, Fox Cricket,
Bottom-line benefits
Fox League, Fox Footy, ESPN, beIN SPORTS.
MatchPint is also a great time-saver, according
Covid, and its impact on capacity, was a big part
to Cimarosti. “It means I don’t have to spend
of the picture, according to Cimarosti. “We were
time writing out the weekly sports calendar, I can
filling up really quickly on Fridays and Saturdays,
just print off the pdf. Also, if we want to put up a
so it was really important to make the most of the
quick Insta story, we don’t have to go on Canva
typically quieter days.
and spend time creating assets, we can just log
We saw an opportunity with MatchPint to show that we’re not just a footy pub. So now, because
“So our thought around using MatchPint was
on and show what’s going to be on the big screen.
to drive the Wednesday night rugby, the Monday
And most importantly, MatchPint has brought
we list everything
afternoon basketball and things like that. For us,
a new crowd of sports fans through the door, and
it’s trying to capitalise on all those other days that
helped the London Tavern Hotel smooth out its
we’re going to
have sport, not just a Friday night, a Saturday and
trade and avoid capacity issues.
Sunday afternoon.” Cimarosti says she found MatchPint easy to use. So easy that she even managed to integrate the sports schedule provided by MatchPInt to
“We’ve had people come in to watch the NBA and the NRL saying that they’d seen us on MatchPint,” Cimarosti says. “It gives us an opportunity to hit a market that
her venue’s website. “I’ve got no idea how I
we didn’t really have a hold on. Everyone knows
did it because I know nothing about coding or
us as an AFL pub, but since having MatchPint,
computers,” she says.
we’ve been seeing other people coming through to
“I just copied and pasted the code into our website, and it came up. Now every time I go in and list my
be showing on the big screen, we’re seen as an avenue for all different sports. Gina Cimarosti.
watch other sports.” Foxtel venues customers can take advantage of
sports it magically updates. We also use it to make
a two-year subscription to MatchPint at no extra
social posts like Instagram stories, and I also use
charge. Visit foxtelmatchpint.com.au to sign up for
MatchPint to print out our sports schedule.
a MatchPint profile. The London Tavern’s general manager, Gina Cimarosti.
September 2021 | 25
DESIGN & BUILD
The bar and restaurant areas take strong cues from the 1950s.
The main bar and restaurant are separated by a glazed timber shopfront.
Jewel of the Riverina
A major renovation of Griffith’s Gem Hotel has transformed it into a sophisticated multi-purpose venue for the thriving NSW wine region.
THE GEM Hotel in the NSW Riverina
kilometres, a place where locals would
elements that embrace the rich history
has undergone a major renovation to
gather and major business deals would
and culture of the region.
reinvent itself as a venue fit for the
be struck.
beverage industry heavy-hitters and the
“The brief was to create a truly unique
“Griffith has a thriving Italian community, and we thought it appropriate
workers who live in and visit the busy
venue that could stand on own feet as
to focus on this culture and explore the
wine region.
a quality food and beverage venue with
interesting design principles they once
accommodation and gaming,” says
used,” Kelly says.
Located in Griffith, it is surrounded by a thriving major Australian wine production
designer Paul Kelly. “Because of the level
area with a large population of people
of investment in this project, it would hard
been combined with contemporary
flying in and out. Owner Jim Knox, an
for anyone else in the region to get close
elements and applications to allow both to
established hotelier in the town, felt there
to what we’ve achieved at The Gem.”
coexist and create a unique experience.”
was a lack of quality accommodation and
The Gem was built in the 1980s and
“Traditional decorative details have
dining options in town when it came to
the refurbishment kicked off four years
BACK TO THE ‘50S
servicing these visitors and locals alike.
ago, although the project was delayed
The base build architecture of the upgrade
Knox briefed specialist hospitality
a year when it encountered delays from
was derived from strong underlying
design company, Paul Kelly Design, to
local contractors, and then Covid. The
principles of mid-century design, with
help him create a hotel offer beyond
project, finally completed in May this year,
subtle nuances of the late 1950s to soften
anything else available for hundreds of
has delivered a quality venue with design
some of the hard-edge forms.
26 | Australian Hotelier
DESIGN & BUILD
The Gem has an eclectic mix of styles, while still being identifiable as a quality venue.
The combination of old and new elements works into the simplistic base build with very little contrast and means we flow throughout the venue with little interruption. “The simplicity that is evident in mid-century design allows the existing and new elements of the build to coexist with very little contrast between the two,” Kelly says. Griffith has a significant population of people employed in farming, production, manufacture, and distribution – a demographic living away from home with disposable income, so an important part of the rebuild included a gaming room to appeal to this group. The interiors for the gaming room were retained and further enhanced the mid-century design principles, according to Kelly, with the introduction of typical details like breeze blocks and vertical shiplap timber boards. “The Gaming Room is a dynamic space that allows for two additional uses, being a beverage focused bar and sports entertainment space. “From the outset, the intention was to provide a lighter, brighter space, that used a blend and balance of darker tones and gold reflective materials to ensure the space provided a casino-like experience.” In a nod to Covid, some of the spacing of the machines was modified, with the size of the gaming machine bases increased to allow more distance between patrons.
Subtle nuances of the late 1950s are used to soften some of the hard-edge forms.
September 2021 | 27
DESIGN & BUILD
CONNECTING IN STYLE
pattern and allowing the introduction of
The main bar and restaurant were designed
subtle colour variation and unique pattern.
to complement each other, but are separated by a glazed timber shopfront. “This provides separation between the
“In the lobby, you’ll find sheer curtains and pictures of underworld locals driving past in old Valiants in a nod to the history
two uses, however, being largely glazed,
of Griffith. There’s a little bit of Hollywood
it still maintains a strong connection,”
and a little bit of gangster there.”
Kelly says. “The interior concept for
Custom artworks throughout the
these areas take stronger cues from the
ground floor and upper-level room
1950s as it was important to achieve a
accommodation were developed by
strong personality.
Esem Projects, a design firm that
“The combination of old and new
specialises in experiential design and
elements works into the simplistic base
storytelling programs for shared spaces
build with very little contrast and means
(see box).
we flow throughout the venue with little interruption.” The entry point for the hotel
While the Gem Hotel’s design started out as a business solution to look after business customers, because of
History in the making Custom artworks throughout the ground floor and upper-level room accommodation at the Gem Hotel were developed by Esem Projects, which specialises in experiential design and storytelling. In developing these artworks, Esem Projects
accommodation continues the base
the wide diversity of ethnic and age
researched historical images of the region,
build ambition of a mid-century design
groups in town, Kelly says he realised
including native plants and endangered
aesthetic, Kelly says, with the use of
it needed something for everyone, so
animals, and the agriculture of the region, and
full-height timber panelling, warm but
the venue draws on lots of different
this research formed the basis of the images.
subtle tones, and a refined level of
styles, including mid-century touches,
detail throughout.
conservative design angles, and youthful
paintings, created through the reinterpretation
colour tones and curves.
of existing photographs and scientific
“Evident on the ground floor are the beginnings of the upper-level
“It’s a really nice eclectic mix of styles,
accommodation experience, which
while still being quite easily identifiable
introduces a reinterpreted geometric
as a quality venue.”
The resulting artworks are collaged digital
illustrations from collections including the State Library of NSW. Water is a major focus of the project and is represented through the colour blue, the construction of the irrigation canals, and the crop and animals that depend on it. Although the artworks focus on development since irrigation, it is important to note that Griffith is located in the heart of the Wiradjuri Nation. The ancient custodianship and ownership of the land by the Wiradjuri people is acknowledged through the inclusion of images sourced from the State Library collection, showing traditional tree carving, and early Wiradjuri/English dictionary pages showing the ancient names for the land and the English translation of these words. The artworks fall into three main themes – agriculture, nature and history/industry, and the images are made from mostly historical sources, both photographic and illustrative, and include a large research component. Water plays a key role in most of these images, either as a photographic element, or represented through a blue graphic shape. Gold is another key element, representing the riches
A key element of the rebuild was the gaming room.
28 | Australian Hotelier
of the land following the irrigation works.
61 2 9660 8299 paulkellydesign.com.au
Gem Hotel Griffith
TALES FROM THE TOP
New horizons Coffee roaster and café operator Julien Moussi discusses his pub debut.
THE NEWLY renamed and refurbished red brick corner pub, Hotel Collingwood, has traded its Scottish tartan carpet for timber floors and espresso martinis. Melbourne’s fifth lockdown brought the renovation of the pub formerly known as the Robert Burns forward by two weeks. The pub was successfully launched last month during Victoria’s sixth lockdown with a barbie and takeaways that drew 2200 socially distanced customers over
we can put our touches on and improve,”
in having night and day venues, and we
three days.
Moussi says.
are seeing lots of efficiencies,” he says. “I
Just as with its cafes, Only Hospitality
also like the idea of creating fun venues,
for Melbourne-based café operator
The launch also marked the pub debut
seeks to create hospitality spaces that are
and I think our cafes are really buzzy and
Julien Moussi, whose Only Hospitality
welcoming, comfortable and memorable,
I’d like to achieve that with a night venue.”
Group (OHG) acquired the pub’s
and with this in mind the pub’s gas heating
The pub was renamed to make a strong
leasehold off outgoing publican Gerry
has been replaced with open fires, converted
point that the venue has a new lease on
Nass a month earlier.
back to their original state for a warmer feel.
life, according to Moussi, who says the
Inglewood Coffee Roasters is the
Espresso martinis are another fitting
strategy has paid off with the group’s cafes.
beating heart of the Only Hospitality
addition, with Only Hospitality supplying
“The bones of this venue are fantastic,
business. In addition to the roasting
the pub with its own premium on tap
the way it flows. It just needed refinement.
facility, the group also operates 15 cafes
version which it plans to roll out to other
The façade is unique, and the local area
around Melbourne. “Coffee is a big focus,
pubs down the track.
is amazing – it’s a bit of a hub. But if you
and our roaster is the number one entity in our portfolio,” Moussi says. According to Moussi, adding pubs to
Lucas group alumni John Woo and Allan Hwang are heading up the kitchen team to deliver a menu with classic pub grub
want to make a venue pop and have hype, there needs to be a significant change. “You need to put yourself out there, and
the Only Hospitality fold has always been
and mod-Asian beer food. Craft beer and
obviously that’s risky, but every time we
part of his plan. Growing up, his family
natural wines will also feature, alongside
take a venue over, we always rebrand it.
operated pubs in the ‘70s and ‘80s, so
an extensive cocktail list.
It’s what we do.”
it was a natural next step. Moreover,
Moussi says the move into pubs offers
Moussi says that while launching mid-
Only Hospitality has an eye on more pub
synergies for the group as a whole, such
lockdown is nerve-wracking, the coffee
acquisitions in the future.
as boosting job options for the group’s
side of the business has remained strong.
“We are certainly always looking to expand our portfolio and we are looking for venues that are underdone, ones that
30 | Australian Hotelier
employees. “We have 300 staff, so this will open up more opportunities for them. “There are also some great advantages
“It’s been a great backbone for us, but we are still hurting. We’re just trying to push through and be ready for when we open.”
