Overview
A major shake-up of Sydney's hospitality scene is underway, with Australian Venue Company (AVC) confirmed to have acquired the leaseholds of four Sydney venues from Solotel in a multi-million-dollar deal.
The venues changing hands include The Golden Sheaf (pictured below) — the historic Double Bay pub which also serves as Solotel's headquarters. AVC will also take over the leases of Inner West favourites Public House Petersham and The Erko in Erskineville, as well as Barangaroo House and its three distinct offerings.
While the sale price has not been publicly disclosed, the deal considerably expands AVC's Sydney footprint. The national operator currently runs 10 venues in the city — alongside four in regional NSW — within a wider portfolio of more than 220 venues across Australia and New Zealand. Its local holdings include BrewDog South Eveleigh, Surry Hills mainstay The Winery and Barangaroo rooftop bar Untied.
The acquisition comes amid a period of transition for Solotel. Last year, the family-owned company lost a competitive tender to continue its nearly 25-year management of Opera Bar, while also adding The Norfolk in Redfern, Oxford House in Paddington and Alexandria's Camelia Grove Hotel to its stable. In February, the group is expected to bring Willoughby's Bridgeview Hotel to market.
Rekodo, Steven Woodburn
Solotel will direct capital from the sales into its remaining portfolio, which includes pubs like The Abercrombie, The Courthouse Hotel and The Strand, as well as restaurants including Aria, Chiswick and North Bondi Fish in partnership with Matt Moran. The group is also progressing several upcoming projects, including the relocation of Parramatta mainstay The Albion and a new restaurant with Moran slated for Macquarie Street.
In a media statement, Solotel said the sale offered "an opportunity to refocus the business on exceptional and unique venues, rather than scale", with CEO Elliot Solomon saying the deal would allow the group to "simplify the business, reduce complexity and focus our energy on our remaining venues as well as new projects where we can be more hands-on". Solomon also said he was confident the four venues joining AVC are "set for an exciting new chapter" under the operator's stewardship.
Australian Venue Company is expected to take control of Barangaroo House, The Golden Sheaf, Public House Petersham and The Erko in April 2026. For more information, head to the Solotel website.