Julien Moussi’s expanding Only Hospitality Group (OHG) has snapped up the leasehold of Melbourne’s Robert Burns Hotel in
Collingwood, with plans to take the pub in a new direction.

CBRE Hotels’ Mat George negotiated the sale of the Smith Street leasehold, which has 16 years remaining. A name change to Hotel Collingwood has already been flagged ahead of an upcoming facelift.

It is the first pub acquisition for the former VFL footballer’s group, which operates a string of cafes and a coffee roasting facility – Inglewood Coffee Roasters. Moussi kicked off his career in hospitality at age 21, managing a team of coffee carts at weekend footy matches, athletic meets and boat shows before buying his first bricks and mortar business. OHG now generates revenue of more than $30 million a year. 

“The sale followed a short, sharp and competitive process, with OHG outbidding several groups to secure the lease at a time when the Melbourne pub sector is starved of decent opportunities and a line-up of cashed-up buyers are waiting in the wings,” George said.

“OHG will undertake a facelift of the property in a few months’ time to further boost the strong weekly revenue it has reported since re-opening.”

The renamed Hotel Collingwood is positioned among a series of new residential and retail developments. It comprises the front bar, dining and function spaces, a bistro and beer garden.

Hunter Valley icon Tulloch Wines hits the market