Historic Mt Erica Hotel in Prahran shuts after tenants fail to pay rent
A HISTORIC Melbourne hotel that relaunched with fanfare six months ago has shut, forcing its tenants out after they allegedly failed to pay the rent.
Inner East
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THE barman has called last drinks at Prahran’s historic Mt Erica Hotel, at least for the foreseeable future, after the tenants allegedly failed to pay the rent and were forced to vacate.
A notice posted in the pub’s window last month alleges the tenants’ business went into liquidation on December 9 and the landlord re-entered the premises shortly before Christmas.
Locks on the doors have been changed, and anyone who requires access to the building is asked to contact lawyers at Michael Sharp Legal.
Restaurant owner Mark McIlroy oversaw a revamp of the 160-year-old hotel last year, which opened in June as Austin’s Restaurant and Austin’s Pantry and Wine Bar.
Together with respected chef Sunny Gilbert, known for his work at Melbourne’s MoVida Next Door, and venue manager Ross Murray, (MoVida Next Door, Jamie Oliver Italian Kitchen), the team sought to bring a Spanish flair to the old pub.
But just six months later the business has closed.
Mr McIlroy failed to return calls left by Leader, as did the venue manager. The landlord also declined Leader’s request for comment.
And the hotel’s Facebook page has not been updated since December 22, with the last post providing no hint of the venue’s imminent closure.
Prahran Historical and Arts Society president Gabriel Hermes said the hotel had a long legacy in the Stonnington community and hoped the venue would reopen.
“It’s a historical spot. It’s a pity it’s closed down,” he said.
The Mt Erica Hotel was built in 1853 and was one of the first licensed venues in the area, according to information provided by the Stonnington History Centre.
Surrounded by bushland, the original building was destroyed by fire and the hotel was rebuilt in 1877.
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