Accom wrap: How seafood, trees and coffee are getting brands noticed
Victorian pub moguls Robert and Victor Zagame are planning a national expansion of boutique hotels across NSW and Queensland.
The first, an $18 million refurbishment of the Downtowner Hotel in Lygon Street, Carlton, will open next week under the Zagame’s House brand and showcase premium local produce – including Victorian-roasted coffee.
Brothers Robert and Victor Zagame own a $300 million portfolio of pubs across Victoria and are currently developing a $100 million water park at Dingley Village close to Melbourne.
They have looked to local producers to supply the 97-room hotel, including Mansfield Coffee Merchants and Flinders and Co meat wholesalers.
Jackie Booth, the group’s chief operating officer, told The Australian: “Carlton is our first boutique, bespoke property.
“This will be the first of our national brand, Zagame’s House, and we are going to do more in NSW and Queensland.
“We have not signed anything yet but we are currently looking for the right locations.”
The Zagames say no expense has been spared in the transformation of the property, which has been owned by the family for 16 years.
“We invite our guests to experience for themselves the exquisite art, luxurious amenities and state of the art technology,” said the brothers in an earlier statement.
“Expect the unexpected when it comes to exceptional service as our team will impress even the most experienced traveller.”
Hilton taps into roots
Hilton Brisbane will celebrate the global hotel group’s 100th anniversary by planting 100 trees to highlight its environmental focus.
The trees will generate approximately 26,000 pounds of oxygen each year, says Hilton, helping benefit the Brisbane community that’s supported them for the past 33 years.
Hilton has committed to a sustainability agenda that ranges from an inner-city bee hive and pollination program to participation in the Return-It and Clean the World recycling actions .
General manager Chris Partridge said: “100 trees for 100 years is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to the community and help make Hilton’s Travel with Purpose goals a reality”.
What a QT
QT has been given the green light by the South Australian State Commission Assessment Panel for a $180 million luxury hotel in Adelaide.
The Currie Street hotel, a joint venture between Adelaide’s Axiom and Event Hospitality and Entertainment will be the brand’s eleventh and the first in South Australia.
It will encompass a rooftop bar, 200 guest rooms and extensive conference and events facilities.
Seafood sensation
InterContinental Sydney has announced the launch of its revitalised Café Opera.
Executive chef Jeremy Clark will oversee the hotel’s culinary offerings, including Café Opera’s renowned fresh seafood Land to Sea buffet which, says the hotel group, “infuses sheer indulgence with harbourside sophistication, providing unparalleled culinary options”.
While the Intercontinental will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner and drinks options, the star offering be the re-imagined buffet, available from Wednesday to Sunday each week for lunch and dinner. On weekends, additional seafood indulgences will be added – including Balmain bugs and blue swimmer crab.
Jeremy Clark said: “A seafood buffet is a must-do dining experience during a harbourside stay in Sydney, or for locals looking for a luxe weekend treat, so we are excited to share our revamped offering with our guests, new and long-standing.
“We pride ourselves on sourcing the finest and freshest seafood from New South Wales and beyond, and looking forward to showcasing the creativity of the team in the presentation of our cuisine.”
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