End of an era: Storied establishment faces closure after 170 years of operations
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The food and hospitality industry has seen difficult times over the past years.
While many establishments have cemented their place in the industry, others had to close their doors for good.
One of Australia's oldest watering holes may face the same fate after decades of serving generations of Australians.
The Kingston Hotel faces the possibility of closing its doors for good after an incredible 170-year run.
Nestled on Highett Street in Richmond, The Kingston Hotel first opened its doors in 1854, when Melbourne was still finding its feet as a city.
Over the decades, The Kingston Hotel became more than just a place to grab a pint.
The hotel became a massive community hub and a key hub to the city's thriving music scene.
In the 1980s, the Kingston Hotel became a haven for the LGBTQ+ community after operating as a lesbian-run pub.
For many locals, The Kingston isn't just a pub—it's a living piece of Melbourne's social and cultural fabric.
The Kingston Hotel recently went through massive renovations and changes, including a new restaurant, Marble & Pearl.
It also had a reimagined 'provincial Tuscan' courtyard designed by architect Jim Fogarty.
The ambitious renovations and development have cost the family about $1.5 million.
Despite these changes, The Kingston Hotel still entered administration.
The De Fraga family, the venue's owner, received a wind-up notice from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) earlier this year.
The renovations, combined with the challenges brought by the pandemic, left the business in a precarious position.
Administrators from Cor Cordis have since started seeking a buyer to rescue the establishment.
'A number of interested parties are now undertaking due diligence in relation to the company's affairs and future prospects,' a spokesperson from Cor Cordis stated.
While the De Fraga family has been considering ways to repay creditors, no formal recovery plan has been announced yet.
The Kingston Hotel is not the only institution owned by the De Fraga family that has faced difficult times.
The Swan Hotel on Church Street and Public House have already been sold to the Australian Venue Co., a hospitality giant with more than 200 bars and clubs under their belt.
Both venues also went through expensive renovations in recent years, with Public House receiving a $3 million overhaul back in 2020.
Many historic pubs across Australia have been struggling to survive over the years.
Rising operation costs, changes in people's drinking habits, and the lingering effects of the pandemic were some of the top factors for these closures.
For many communities, the loss of a local pub means more than just the end of a business—it's the loss of a slice of history and a source of local pride.
As administrators work to find a buyer, the future of The Kingston Hotel hangs in the balance.
Will a new owner step in to preserve its legacy, or will this be the end of an era for Richmond? Only time will tell.
Let's raise a glass to The Kingston and all the pubs that have shaped many people's lives.
Have you ever visited The Kingston Hotel before? Do you have any fond memories of another local pub that's now gone? How can councils and communities preserve these historic venues for future generations? Share your stories and thoughts about this news in the comments section below!
While many establishments have cemented their place in the industry, others had to close their doors for good.
One of Australia's oldest watering holes may face the same fate after decades of serving generations of Australians.
The Kingston Hotel faces the possibility of closing its doors for good after an incredible 170-year run.
Nestled on Highett Street in Richmond, The Kingston Hotel first opened its doors in 1854, when Melbourne was still finding its feet as a city.
Over the decades, The Kingston Hotel became more than just a place to grab a pint.
The Kingston Hotel played a massive part in Melbourne's social scene over the decades. Image Credit: Instagram/The Kingston Hotel
The hotel became a massive community hub and a key hub to the city's thriving music scene.
In the 1980s, the Kingston Hotel became a haven for the LGBTQ+ community after operating as a lesbian-run pub.
For many locals, The Kingston isn't just a pub—it's a living piece of Melbourne's social and cultural fabric.
The Kingston Hotel recently went through massive renovations and changes, including a new restaurant, Marble & Pearl.
It also had a reimagined 'provincial Tuscan' courtyard designed by architect Jim Fogarty.
The ambitious renovations and development have cost the family about $1.5 million.
Despite these changes, The Kingston Hotel still entered administration.
The De Fraga family, the venue's owner, received a wind-up notice from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) earlier this year.
The renovations, combined with the challenges brought by the pandemic, left the business in a precarious position.
Administrators from Cor Cordis have since started seeking a buyer to rescue the establishment.
'A number of interested parties are now undertaking due diligence in relation to the company's affairs and future prospects,' a spokesperson from Cor Cordis stated.
While the De Fraga family has been considering ways to repay creditors, no formal recovery plan has been announced yet.
The Kingston Hotel is not the only institution owned by the De Fraga family that has faced difficult times.
The Swan Hotel on Church Street and Public House have already been sold to the Australian Venue Co., a hospitality giant with more than 200 bars and clubs under their belt.
Both venues also went through expensive renovations in recent years, with Public House receiving a $3 million overhaul back in 2020.
Many historic pubs across Australia have been struggling to survive over the years.
The Kingston Hotel has been a gathering hub for many locals in Melbourne. Image Credit: Instagram/The Kingston Hotel
Rising operation costs, changes in people's drinking habits, and the lingering effects of the pandemic were some of the top factors for these closures.
For many communities, the loss of a local pub means more than just the end of a business—it's the loss of a slice of history and a source of local pride.
As administrators work to find a buyer, the future of The Kingston Hotel hangs in the balance.
Will a new owner step in to preserve its legacy, or will this be the end of an era for Richmond? Only time will tell.
Let's raise a glass to The Kingston and all the pubs that have shaped many people's lives.
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