Endeavour Group buys Darwin’s famous Cavenagh Hotel

The venue’s new owners have vowed to keep the beloved Territory pub’s charm and tasty steaks. Read what’s planned.

One of the Territory’s oldest pubs has changed hands in a milestone sale that marks a new era in NT hotel ownership.

Endeavour Group will on Monday take the keys to The Cavenagh Hotel from the Mick Burns owned Salsa Holdings.

The sale was first proposed in April, but required approval from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission before it could be finalised.

The historic hotel was first licensed in 1932 and across more than 90 years has had a number of identity and design changes, including hosting Darwin’s first casino when it was trading as Don Hotel.

The Don Hotel on Cavenagh Street. Photo: Archives

The Cavenagh will be Endeavour’s first pub in Darwin’s CBD, adding to its existing Top End pubs portfolio of Nightcliff’s Beachfront Hotel, Jingili’s Airport Tavern, Parap Tavern and Palmerston Tavern.

But Endeavour’s management issued a statement on Monday committing to retaining the vibe and feel developed over decades that’s made the Cavenagh one of Darwin’s most iconic venues.

“As we prepare to take the keys to The Cavenagh Hotel today, we want to reaffirm that the Cav will continue to be the beloved gathering place for locals and tourists alike,” a spokesman said.

Outgoing Cav owner Mick Burns . Pic Glenn Campbell

“We’re committed to maintaining its unique charm and ensuring it remains a welcoming spot for everyone.

“We understand how much The Cav’s character means to the community - the atmosphere, the friendly service, and of course, the best steak in town. Rest assured, these elements will remain unchanged and will continue to be the heart and soul of The Cav experience.

“It’s an honour for us at the Endeavour Group to become the custodians of such an iconic venue, and we’re dedicated to preserving what makes The Cav great, while also looking for ways to enhance and protect it for the future.

“Any improvements we make will be thoughtful and in keeping with the essence of what you love about The Cav. We can’t wait to welcome the community and continue to provide the exceptional experience you’ve come to expect from The Cav.”

Mick Burns, who has owned the pub since the early 2000s, said the time was right to offload the premises.

“I’ve had it for a long time and it’s time to move on,” he said.

Originally published as Endeavour Group buys Darwin’s famous Cavenagh Hotel