The Inn Hotel owners MD Hotel Group Pty Ltd placed into external administration

It could be last drinks for a city watering hole partially owned by a Geelong premiership player after it became insolvent in March.

Corey Enright and locals have taken over the lease of The Bush Inn. Left: Mat Dyer, Corey Enright, Max McKay and Dean Trembath. picture: Glenn Ferguson

A well-known pub owned by a Cats best and fairest winner has been placed into administration after it could not pay outstanding debts.

MD Hotel Group Pty Ltd, who run The Inn Hotel, owes power company Momentum Energy Pty Ltd more than $66,000 in electricity and gas bills.

According to Australian Securities and Investments Commission documents, the Corio St venue is owned by Corey Enright, Mathew Dyer, Max McKay, and Dean Trembath.

Mr Dyer and Mr Trembath are also listed as the directors of MD Hotel Group.

In March, the Supreme Court of Victoria ordered the company to be wound up in insolvency after they failed to compensate Momentum Energy within three weeks of the payment date.

It is understood there is also money owed to the Australian Taxation Office.

Scott Andersen of Worrells was appointed to oversee the external administration on Monday night.

Max McKay, Mathew Dyer, Corey Enright, and Dean Trembath at The Inn Hotel just after they had taken over in 2016. Picture: Jay Town.

In 2016, The Inn Hotel, formerly the Bush Inn, was taken over by Mr Enright and his business partners.

At the time, Mr Enright — who retired at the end of that season — said it had been on his agenda for some time.
“It’s something you always think about, being a bloke who likes a drink,” he said.

Two years later, the group signed an extended 20-year lease for the watering hole, which boasts a four star rating on Google from more than 370 reviews.

It is understood that the financial troubles it faces stem from a culmination of rising business expenses, the cost of living crisis, and Covid lockdowns.

The long-time business partners enjoy a beer at The Inn. Picture: Peter Ristevski

Following on from their successful first venture, the quartet bought the Geelong Hotel, which operates under the business name Geelong On Yarra PTY LTD.

This isn’t the first hospitality business in Geelong to see the coffers dry up.

In January 2023, Mt Duneed establishment The Hop Inn poured its last drink after it ran up a debt of $300,000.

It owed money to ex-employees, the tax office, and local wholesalers who sold goods to the pub.

Mr Dyer said he could not provide comment “at this time” when contacted, while Mr Enright did not respond.

Originally published as The Inn Hotel owners MD Hotel Group Pty Ltd placed into external administration