Australian Hotelier September 2021

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

To subscribe and to view other overseas rates

visit www.intermedia.com.au or Call: 1800 651 422 (Mon – Fri 8:30-5pm AEST) Email: subscriptions@intermedia.com.au

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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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.”