Robert Burns Hotel to rebrand after selling to ex-footballer
The Robert Burns Hotel will be rebranded Hotel Collingwood after being snapped up by Julien Moussi’s Only Hospitality Group.
The 376 Smith Street leasehold sold with 16 years remaining; the vendor was publican Gerry Nass.
As well as the name change, a renovation of the front bar, dining room, bistro and beer garden is planned.
It is the first pub purchase for the ex-VFL footballer and Inglewood Coffee Roasters founder, who operates several cafes including one in a Mount Waverley building which sold in 2019.
“The sale followed a short, sharp and competitive process, with OHG outbidding several groups to secure the lease at a time when the Melbourne pub sector is starved of decent opportunities,” CBRE Hotels’ Mathew George, who negotiated the Collingwood sale, said.
“A line-up of cashed-up buyers are waiting,” he added (story continues below).
Gasometer Hotel sold too
The Robert Burns deal comes a month after Bombay Rock, Brunswick, operators Kacey Knoodle and Asher Trainor with IT executive James Martelletti purchased the suburb’s Gasometer Hotel leasehold for $350,000.
At 484 Smith St, on the south east corner of Alexandra Parade, that venue was offered by music promoter Shannon Vanderwert and Clint Fisher, who operates Brunswick’s Retreat Hotel.
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