It has been less than a week since Bondi’s Royal Hotel went on the market, but the Bondi Road venue has already been snapped up by hospitality giant Merivale. It’s no surprise that the beloved drinking den was in demand, considering that the family-owned venue has not been up for sale for more than 40 years.

The latest acquisition is the first for the group in the 2026 district. It follows a string of recent purchases that includes The Collaroy Hotel on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, as well as Vic on the Park in the Inner West.

It has been confirmed that Merivale will receive the keys to the Royal Hotel in July of 2018 with plans for the venue (which no doubt includes a heavy refurbishment) expected shortly.