Australian Venue Co. (AVC) has continued to grow its portfolio with the purchase of the Criterion Hotel in Yarrawonga, Victoria.

The venue has remained shut since last year, however will reopen after settlement in early February.

“The Criterion has been closed since early 2020, so we’re really excited to breathe some new life into it and bring it back to the town,” says AVC Area Manager Bart Furst.

The Criterion encompasses a public bar and bistro and features views of Lake Mulwala.

AVC CEO Paul Waterson says the acquisition of more local pubs is certainly on the cards for the group.

“After the events of 2020, we’ve seen that people value their country pubs more than ever,” he says.

“AVC will continue to acquire hotels in locations where there is an opportunity to give these pubs a new lease on life.

“We let our local leaders take the reigns with these projects, to make sure the result is a pub that’s for the community, by the community.”

The Criterion is the latest addition to AVC’s portfolio, which encompasses close to 180-plus venues across Australia and New Zealand.

Image credit: Facebook, Yarrawonga Mulwala Historical Society