Epochal Hotels announced the acquisition of the iconic Scarborough Hotel, a historic establishment that has graced the Illawarra landscape for an impressive 138 years.

WIN Corporation sold the property for $9.5 million, marking the first time the pub has changed hands in four decades and setting the stage for an exciting chapter in the venue's history.

Perched on the Illawarra escarpment's cliff edge, Scarborough Hotel has long been celebrated for its breathtaking setting and more than 3,900sqm of prime oceanfront land. As the oldest licensed premises in the City of Wollongong, the heritage-listed building carries great historic significance and resonates profoundly with Epochal Hotels' commitment to preserving and celebrating cultural heritage.

Glenn Piper, CEO of the newly-established Epochal Hotels, said: “The Scarborough Hotel stands as a rare gem among Australian pubs, boasting an expansive outdoor area, unparalleled beer garden views, and a rich and storied history. This is a deeply meaningful project for us; we want to deliver something truly special here, an experience that befits its spectacular location, reflects the pub’s stature and resonates deeply with the community”.

WIN Corporation CEO Andrew Lancaster said the Scarborough Hotel had been a strong asset for the company but WIN’s focus was growing and maintaining the organisation’s media and investment businesses.

“Pubs are not part of our core business and it is time for a new owner to guide this iconic site into the future,” he said. “We are happy to have sold the Scarborough Hotel to Epochal Hotels as we are passing it into safe hands with a proven track record. Epochal Hotels has a strong understanding of pubs and hospitality and we look forward to seeing what fresh ideas they bring to the hotel”.

The Epochal Hotels Story

With a spirited commitment to creating living, breathing establishments that stand loud and proud for all, Piper and his team have ridden a wave of momentum since 2019 with an expanding portfolio of iconic venues along the east coast.

The story began with the meticulous curation of Freshwater's Harbord Hotel, a beachside haven inspired by Freshwater's role as the birthplace of surfboard riding in Australia. The first phase unveiled an expansive main bar and sun-soaked terrace and was warmly embraced by the local community as their home away from home. The ongoing restoration project will introduce a new hospitality experience on the second level and a state-of-the-art recording studio venue for local artists later this year.

The Epochal Hotels team also left their mark on Newcastle's Merewether Beach Hotel which officially reopened after an inspired restoration earlier this year. Steeped in decades of sun, salt, and community spirit, it now offers elevated seaside dining at Peregrin, classic coastal fare in the main pub, and retro takeaway at Larrie's.

Additionally, Epochal Hotels will lead the refurbishment of the Commodore Hotel, McMahons Point, acquired in May 2023. The Blues Point Road institution will relaunch with a new offering this summer.

Notably, Epochal Hotels is also leading the transformation of two landmark properties - Q Station on the headland of Sydney's Northern Beaches which will undergo enhancements to honour its rich history and natural beauty, and Hook Island in the Whitsundays which is set for a remarkable transformation into a world-class eco-lodge.

Epochal Hotels prioritises impact over mere growth, with a clear strategy to only acquire iconic venues that provide an opportunity to create something truly meaningful. For each project, the team is committed to the meticulous exploration of the property’s history, purposeful engagement with the community, and the requisite time and energy invested to create an enduring experience like no other.

Piper said: “Our mission is simple: to uncover unique local institutions and the collective memories buried within communities. As a team, we're fueled by the desire to build on or revive local pride in places we genuinely believe are incomparable”.

As per previous venues, Piper has partnered with a small syndicate of investors on the purchase, including several that are local to the south coast. Further details will be announced in due course.

Iconic Scarborough Hotel sold to Epochal Hotels $9.5million