Hospitality group Merivale hasn’t slept on expanding its Victorian footprint, with a new addition announced just weeks after announcing its first out-of-Sydney location.
The Merivale team won’t be receiving the keys to Tomasetti House in Melbourne’s CBD until the end of 2021, but the latest acquisition has been up and running for more than 100 years.
Merivale CEO Justin Hemmes says the goal is to continue the legacy of The Lorne Hotel on the Great Ocean Road.
“The Lorne Hotel is an iconic venue in a truly spectacular location,” says Hemmes.
“It has been an absolute pleasure getting to know John and Paul Upham, who have been the proud custodians of the venue for the last eleven years; we feel honoured to continue their legacy and help usher the pub into the next phase of its incredible 145-year history.”
It marks the continuation of Merivale’s focus on venues located out of major cities, with the group snapping up Narooma’s The Quarterdeck earlier in the year.
The group has also moved on another Sydney pub this week; this time in Leichardt.
Norton’s Irish Pub will move into the Merivale portfolio next month, joining other Inner West venues including the 3 Weeds in Rozelle (slated to reopen shortly), the Vic on the Park in Marrickville and the Queens Hotel in Enmore.
“It is such a privilege to be part of Sydney’s vibrant Inner West; every suburb has a unique energy, and their local pubs play a special role in shaping their culture,” says Hemmes.
“We’re excited to not only expand our Inner West pub portfolio, but reopen doors to the 3 Weeds, a beautiful and much-loved local institution, this spring.”