Merivale CEO Justin Hemmes continues his South Coast property-buying spree with the purchase of an old-school Narooma pub, Lynch’s Hotel.

Merivale gets the keys to Lynch’s later this month and plans to renovate. The pub is in Narooma’s town centre and has a bar, hotel rooms and a casual eatery with inside and outside dining spaces.

“We have been looking for a heritage pub to further our continued investment in the region and our commitment to the wonderful people who call it home. Lynch’s Hotel presents great potential in a township I have a strong personal connection with, and I am looking forward to bringing this project to life alongside the local community,” Hemmes says in a statement.

Stay in the know with our free newsletter. The latest restaurants, must-see exhibitions, style trends, travel spots and more – curated by those who know.

SIGN UP

It’s the fourth venue Hemmes has purchased on the New South Wales South Coast. It joins Narooma’s tiki-inspired Quarterdeck and the The Whale Inn (which includes a hotel and a restaurant, Queen Chow) in Merivale’s portfolio. The Sydney hospitality group also owns Narooma seafood restaurant and takeaway shop The Inlet.

Hemmes is a big fan of area and spends a lot of this time at his property overlooking the Glasshouse Rocks. “Narooma has become my second home and the backdrop to many of my happiest memories with my family,” he said in a statement when he bought his first Narooma venue in October 2021 – his first hospo venue outside of Sydney.

He also recently acquired the 1853-built Tomasetti House, a brick and bluestone building at 277 Flinders Lane in Melbourne CBD. Weeks later he bought the historic Lorne Hotel on Victoria’s Great Ocean Road.