Victoria Park Hotel: Townsville publicans Frank and Robyn Sexton close down remaining business

The owners of the iconic Victoria Park Hotel — destroyed by fire in 2018 — will be closing their surviving beer garden and bottle shop.

The owners of the iconic Victoria Park Hotel — destroyed by fire in 2018 — have announced they will be permanently closing their surviving beer garden and bottle shop.

Frank and Robyn Sexton were popular publicans at the former historic hotel for more than 20 years before the hotel went up in flames in 2018.

Until now, the couple has continued to trade at the hotel’s garden bar and a deli and bottle shop next door, which survived the fire.

Victoria Park Hotel publicans Robyn Sexton and Frank Sexton with a bottle of wine that survived the fire

The long-time owners listed the hotel site — located on Boundary St in South Townsville — for sale by expressions of interest last year due to Frank’s ill health.

A shock announcement was made on Tuesday that they would be permanently closing down their remaining business.

The former Victoria Park Hotel in South Townsville

“It is with a heavy heart we have made the decision to close the Vic Park Garden Bar and VIP Gourmet Cellar as of November 6, 2022,” a post on their Facebook page read.

“We will miss you all.

“Stock up before we’re gone.

“Don’t miss out on all your favourite treats.”

Fire takes hold at the Victoria Park Hotel in South Townsville. Picture: Adam Jeremiah

Built in 1895, the now-demolished Victoria Park Hotel was first burnt down while its first licensee Jane Guthrie was at the helm.

A second building of a similar design was opened in 1896.

Originally published as Victoria Park Hotel: Townsville publicans Frank and Robyn Sexton close down remaining business