Ghanem Group starts work on the restoration and makeover of the Commercial Hotel in Boonah

The owners of a heritage-listed, 120-year-old pub have kicked off an extensive but gentle makeover.

The Commercial Hotel's new craft brewery addition – Boonah Brewing Co.

The busy people at Ghanem Group are restoring the heritage-listed Commercial Hotel in Boonah, with a new craft brewery addition – Boonah Brewing Co – and a beer garden.

The restoration of the Queenslander pub, established in 1905, includes a gentle facelift of the bistro, improved accessibility, airconditioning, new furniture, including for the gaming room, new lighting, and upgraded kitchen and bathroom facilities. A new car park is adjacent to the just-launched beer garden.

Upstairs accommodation is under full renovation, and is expected to open by the end of the year.

The family-owned roup, which has a farm in the nearby town of Tarome where they raise livestock and grow fruit and vegetables, has close ties to local communities.

A render of the Commercial Hotels' beer garden.

Managing director Adonis Ghanem says the Commercial Hotel in Boonah is a rare beauty, ripe for renovation.

“To restore a property that is so precious to locals, and to add to the region’s already unique getaways and food-and-drink offerings with the creation of Boonah Brewing Co, is something we are very passionate about,” he says.

Late last year Ghanem with his brother Nehme (illustrated) announced they were taking over one of Brisbane’s Art Deco jewels, the Fox Hotel, that as been closed for the past three years.

The Ghanem Group is planning to reopen it as a world-class, multi-level dining, events and entertainment precinct in late 2025.

Art prize

The Star Entertainment Group has secured a new partnership with the Brisbane branch of the Royal Queensland Art Society to establish an art prize celebrating Brisbane region, it’s residents and visitors.

The inaugural Queen’s Wharf Brisbane Art Prize, with a total prize pool of $30,000, will support and celebrate the vibrant artistic community across Queensland as well as shine a light on the Olympic city.

The Star Brisbane CEO Daniel Finch says they’re proud to provide a new platform for emerging and established local artists.

Artists will be invited to submit artworks that tell their story of what makes Brisbane and its surrounding attractions so special, capturing the essence of the region, its beauty, culture, and distinctive character.

The finalist exhibition will be on show at Petrie Terrace Gallery, home of the RQAS Brisbane Branch throughout September and winners will be announced at a gala awards night at The Star Brisbane on October 1.

‘Storm Approaching the City’ by Jules Farrell.

Returning

After a hiatus of five years the Loaves and Fishes luncheon which will return to St John’s Cathedral on Ann St in the CBD.

One of Brisbane’s biggest lunches of its kind the event will be on June 3 with keynote speaker National Children’s Commissioner Anne Hollands.

Money raised from the event will support the Anglicare Southern Queensland Youth Homelessness Accommodation Project.

Cathedral Events manager Gerard Finn says the Loaves and Fishes luncheon started 27 years ago but stopped in 2020 with the covid pandemic.

“Our sponsors were having a bit of a rough time so we had a break for a couple of more years and we will be capping this one at about 250 people.” he says.

In the past the event has attracted up to 700 people and raise between $50,000 and $75,000 annually for various charities. Bookings can be made at tinyurl.com/Luncheon2025 or contact [e-mail].

Originally published as Ghanem Group starts work on the restoration and makeover of the Commercial Hotel in Boonah