Cavenagh Hotel set to be bought by Endeavour Group

One of Darwin’s best-known pubs is set to change hands. Find out who the new owner will be.

One of Darwin CBD’s most popular pubs is set to be sold.

Endeavour Group is preparing to buy The Cavenagh Hotel from the Mick Burns owned Salsa Holdings

Endeavour told the NT News exclusively on Thursday morning the sale is subject to regulatory approvals.

“Endeavour Group can confirm its proposal to acquire the Cavenagh Hotel,” the statement said.

“The Cavenagh Hotel is a well-established, 80-accommodation room venue popular with families, locals and tourists alike.

The Cavenagh Hotel in Darwin.

“It is an iconic pub and an important part of the local community, located right in the heart of Darwin CBD.

“It boasts an award-winning bistro, sports bar, conference and function spaces, live entertainment, and premium accommodation with a swimming pool perfect for Darwin weather.

“We know many Territorians see The Cav as part of the Darwin DNA and we will now work through the usual regulatory approvals.”

It is Endeavour’s first pub purchase in Darwin’s CBD and adds to its existing Top End pubs portfolio of Nightcliff’s Beachfront Hotel, Jingili’s Airport Tavern, Parap Tavern, and Palmerston Tavern.

The sale price is unknown but when the property last changed hands in 2022 it is understood to have fetched a price around $11m.

A 2016 upgrade cost $2m.

Mick Burns has sold The Cav. Pic Glenn Campbell

Endeavour’s caution in announcing the finalisation of the sale follows a lengthy intervention by competition watchdog ACCC when it attempted to purchase the Beachfront from Doug Sallis in early 2022.

The final sale was delayed by almost 11-months when the regulator investigated competition issues around the bottleshop.

Endeavour has invested in the Northern Territory despite a surge in crime targeting licensed venues.

Endeavour spent millions upgrading customer safety at the Airport Tavern after a bottleshop employee was allegedly murdered.

Hospitality NT chief executive Alex Bruce welcomed the confidence national companies have investing in the Northern Territory.

“In spite of all the challenges, it’s good we have the big players still willing to invest in our local hospitality industry.”

Originally published as Cavenagh Hotel set to be bought by Endeavour Group