Venue news from Brisbane to the Great Ocean Road

AVC acquire landmark venue on the Great Ocean Road

Australian Venue Co is expected to take ownership of the Apollo Bay Hotel on the Great Ocean Road in the coming months having entered into an exclusivity agreement with the freehold acquirer.

Paul Waterson, Australian Venue Co CEO, said the acquisition was an exciting addition to the group’s strong Victorian portfolio.

“Apollo Bay is an iconic Victorian destination, and the Apollo Bay Hotel is a historic local landmark. We’re very excited to be part of the pub’s next chapter and to work with the team.”

The historic, beachside venue has served the community since 1885 but there are no immediate changes planned for the venue. Australian Venue Co will offer continued employment to the existing team at the Apollo.

AVC acquired Anglers Tavern in Maribyrnong earlier this year.

A re-vamp for Brisbane's Cleveland Sands Hotel

Neighbourhood favourite, the Cleveland Sands Hotel is getting a refresh as it undergoes an extensive $1.65 million renovation to the beer garden and sports bar.

Opened in 1930, the pub has been serving the local community for over 90 years and operator Australian Venue Co wanted to improve some of the areas within the venue to stand it in good stead for the decades to come.

The renovations will include a new courtyard and beer garden for up to 200 locals and visitors to get together in a vibrant and inviting space and enjoy the Queensland sunshine with cocktail or beer in hand.

“The renovations at Cleveland Sands Hotel is about creating a destination for the local community to get together,” says Australian Venue Co COO Craig Ellison.

“The new sports bar and beer garden will be enjoyed all year round and we’re bringing a cracking line up of major touring acts to the pub, to create a live & local entertainment experience alongside food, beverage & sport. We’ll be able to offer our locals a complete day or night out under one roof.”

The 200-person bistro and the gaming room will operate as usual through the renovation.

Cleveland Sands Hotel is slated to fully re-open this winter.

Manly's new kid on the block

Block’s Bar has opened underneath Manly's iconic 4 Pines Brewpub. A late night haunt showcasing local and national DJs every Friday and Saturday night, Block’s Bar says it "is a time machine back into a pre-lockdown world".

Owner Block Mitchell said, “It’s like a dive bar, in a garage… in Manly. I did it all myself. It’s where you come to laugh, dance and wear Lycra, away from the craziness of the world outside.”

The cocktail menu includes the Block’s Bar Mule, Getting Spicey and the Caribbean Soul, made with Brookvale Union Ginger Beer, dark rum, coconut liquor, pineapple and lime juice.

Open on the lower-level of 43/45 E Esplanade, Manly.