Billionaire publican Justin Hemmes buys the Lorne Hotel for $38million

Billionaire publican Justin Hemmes buys the Lorne Hotel for $38million after splashing out on venues in Byron Bay and Leichhardt


Justin Hemmes has added another property to his growing portfolio. 

According to Commercial Real Estate, the billionaire publican has purchased the Lorne Hotel through his Merivale empire for $38 million.

The oceanfront Lorne Hotel is 145 years old and is one of the best known regional pubs in the state of Victoria. 

New venue: Justin Hemmes (pictured) has purchased the Lorne Hotel through his Merivale empire for $38 million

‘The Lorne Hotel is an iconic venue in a truly spectacular location,’ Hemmes said.

‘It has been an absolute pleasure getting to know John and Paul Upham,’ he said of the former owners.

‘We feel honoured to continue their legacy and help usher the pub into the next phase of its incredible 145-year history.’

Just last week, the Daily Telegraph reported that Hemmes had purchased Norton’s Irish Pub and will take over the venue next month. 

Iconic: The oceanfront Lorne Hotel is 145 years old and is one of the best known regional pubs in the state of Victoria

Iconic: The oceanfront Lorne Hotel is 145 years old and is one of the best known regional pubs in the state of Victoria

‘It is such a privilege to be part of Sydney’s vibrant inner west,’ Hemmes told the paper. 

‘We’re excited to not only expand our inner west pub portfolio, but reopen doors to the 3 Weeds, a beautiful and much-loved local institution, this spring,’ he added. 

It comes after Hemmes made his first moves in Byron Bay, finalising a $50million deal to take over the Mercato Precinct and adjoining development site.

He is said to be planning a $20million redevelopment of the Mercato to create a ‘mega venue’ similar to his Ivy and Coogee Pavilion venues in Sydney. 

'The Lorne Hotel is an iconic venue in a truly spectacular location,' Hemmes said

‘The Lorne Hotel is an iconic venue in a truly spectacular location,’ Hemmes said

The vacant land spans 4,128sqm and has a flexible B2 Local Centre zoning, allowing for a wide range of mixed-use development including retail, residential and hotels.

His new holding is located directly opposite rival pub The Northern – one of just three major pubs operating in Byron Bay.

However, there has also been a local rebellion, with Byron locals refusing to sell to cashed-up investors, despite big offers. 

Nice digs: Just last week, Hemmes purchased Norton's Irish Pub (pictured) and will take over the venue next month

Nice digs: Just last week, Hemmes purchased Norton’s Irish Pub (pictured) and will take over the venue next month

In March, neither Justin nor his pub baron rival Stu Laundy could offer enough money to secure the Bangalow Hotel, which is 14km inland from Byron Bay. 

The rivals became locked in a bidding war for the 60-year-old pub, which is owned by NRL star Tom Mooney and wife Cathryn.

The top bid reached a staggering $50million. 

Buying up: It comes after Hemmes made his first moves in Byron Bay, finalising a $50million deal to take over the Mercato Precinct and adjoining development site

 Buying up: It comes after Hemmes made his first moves in Byron Bay, finalising a $50million deal to take over the Mercato Precinct and adjoining development site

Changes: He is said to be planning a $20million redevelopment of the Mercato to create a 'mega venue' similar to his Ivy and Coogee Pavilion venues in Sydney

Changes: He is said to be planning a $20million redevelopment of the Mercato to create a ‘mega venue’ similar to his Ivy and Coogee Pavilion venues in Sydney