Sydney Roosters chairman and billionaire businessman Nick Politis has added Queensland’s most famous pub, the Caxton Hotel, to his growing hospitality empire in a $50 million acquisition.
The deal, finalised in recent days, sees Politis purchase the landmark Brisbane venue from the Farquhar family, who owned it for 28 years. The sale was disclosed on a Queensland Government public register, with final approval pending.
Politis’ company, SEQ Hospitality Group, continues to expand its presence across southeast Queensland, now owning eight hotels and 20 bottle shops, including the QA Hotel in Fortitude Valley, The Plough Inn, and Ashmore Tavern.
The Caxton purchase places Politis in direct competition with the NRL, which owns The Beetson Hotel, formerly the Gambaro Hotel, just a few doors away.
The league is investing more than $1 million to build a new “rugby league IMAX experience” sports bar at the venue, set to open before the 2026 season.
A historic fixture since 1864, the Caxton Hotel remains one of Brisbane’s most profitable venues and is a central hub for rugby league fans during State of Origin and Magic Round, drawing thousands of supporters en route to nearby Suncorp Stadium.
Neither Politis nor former owner Ross Farquhar have commented on the deal due to confidentiality clauses.
Source: Daily Telegraph.
