One of Williamstown’s oldest pubs will be serving beers for a long time to come, after a 10-year lease was recently signed.
The lease on the Stags Head Hotel, built in 1887 and listed on the Hobsons Bay Heritage Study, had been due to expire in five years.
New lessees Matthew Wynd and Michael Sneddon, the latter the publican at Williamstown’s Prince Albert Hotel, said the new deal would ensure the Stags Head would remain a pub until at least 2032.
Mr Wynd said many hoteliers in Williamstown were looking at development due to the value of the land involved.
“The 1888 Bristol Hotel site, where 40 apartments are being built, is a prime example,” he said.
“There was a lot of talk that the Stags Head Hotel was going to be developed when the current lease ran out, which was approximately five years.
“The owner has agreed to extend this lease by another 10 years, meaning that an iconic hotel in Williamstown will be around for at least another 15 years, which is great for the local community.”
Mr Sneddon, who will be a publican at two hotels, said he liked to preserve old pubs.
“It’s great to have a pub in the area stay a pub, and it’s really exciting to get involved in the Stags Head Hotel,” he said.
“It’s a real locals’ pub, so having the opportunity to keep that going and put our own little spin on things is really exciting.”
The kitchen, which has been closed since July, will re-open on Saturday, September 16.
