Brighton Metro Hotel undergoing $2.6m revamp
A $2.6m revamp of the Brighton Metro Hotel will breathe new life into the historic pub and create 40 new hospitality jobs.
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Work has started on a $2.6m revamp of the Brighton Metro Hotel, including upgrades to its buffet area, sports bar and gaming room.
Pub operator Australian Venue Co is undertaking the renovation as part of a strategy to revitalise historic pubs across the country.
Brighton Metro, on the corner of Sturt and Brighton roads, was established in 1846.
It was one of six venues taken over by Australian Venue Co as part of a national acquisition from Coles in 2019.
As part of the upgrades, the hotel’s popular buffet, Charlie’s Diner, will remain “the star the show”, according to Australian Venue Co, with a new fit-out and family-focused menu.
Meanwhile, a revitalised public bar, children’s play area and new beer garden will create an “all-day hangout for Brighton locals and sports fans”.
Work is currently under way in the buffet and bar areas, with an official reopening expected in June. Parts of the venue will remain open throughout the staged renovation. The project is expected to create an additional 40 jobs at the venue, including front and back of house roles.
Australian Venue Co chief operating officer Craig Ellison said the upgrades were focused on creating a venue for the local Brighton community to enjoy.
“It’s a historic pub with a unique offering, so we’re excited to breathe some new life into it,” Mr Ellison said.
“We’re designing the entire venue with the local community in mind, so we’re being careful to preserve the elements people love while also bringing in exciting new offerings and a fresh new design.”
After taking over the Coles portfolio of hotels in 2019, Australian Venue Co has amassed a portfolio of more than 150 pubs across the country.
The hotels group – backed by Australian businessman Bruce Dixon and US private equity giant KKR – acquired the historic Robe Hotel last September.
It now operates eight hotels in South Australia, including the Payneham Tavern, Hampstead Hotel, The Hope Inn, in Hindmarsh, and Western Tavern, in Mount Gambier.
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