The heritage-listed Victory Hotel will close its doors at the weekend as the owners shift their focus to plans for a laneway bar across the street.
The Vic, as it is commonly known, stands on the corner of Charlotte and Edward streets and is the oldest continually operating pub in the Brisbane CBD. Built in 1855, it was made a heritage site in 2009 and was most recently renovated after a fire in 2008.
The Precision Group is closing the Victory Hotel to focus on plans for a laneway bar across the road.
Owner Precision Group has yet to detail reasons for the closure – the Australian Hospitality and Liquor Group confirmed its lease has not been renewed – and it remains unclear whether any other parties have interest in the building and its highly visible location.
However, the group has been working with Brisbane City Council on a new licensed venue under construction diagonally opposite The Vic.
Development plans for 144 Edward Street suggest the “laneway-style food and drink outlet” beside the office building on the corner of Charlotte Street would have a cafe leading to almost 90 square metres of outdoor licensed area under a retractable awning.
The most recent changes, submitted to council this year, sought to make better use of a mezzanine level and provide more facilities for customers. Signage at the site on Thursday proclaimed: “Late Noir coming soon February 2023”.
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Industry sources suggested there were limited opportunities to modernise The Vic and other market trends had prompted the owners to focus on the new project instead.
Edward Street has changed significantly in recent years. While the Stock Exchange Hotel, across Charlotte Street from The Vic, still operates as a corner pub, it is now owned by the Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane and will soon have the Brisbane Holocaust Museum and Education Centre as a neighbour.
Further along Edward Street towards the Queen Street Mall a series of luxury brands have upmarket shopfronts in prime positions, while towards the Botanic Gardens the Port Office Hotel still thrives.
