Brisbane’s most famous sporting pub, the Caxton Hotel, has a new owner. After nearly three decades under the stewardship of the Farquhar family, the historic Petrie Terrace venue has been sold in an approximately $50 million deal backed by Sydney Roosters chairman and NSW billionaire, Nick Politis.
Read: ARLC Buys Gambaro Hotel Brisbane in Petrie Terrace
The Caxton Hotel: A Brisbane Institution
The Caxton Hotel has been closely linked to Brisbane’s sporting and social events for more than a century. Originally established in 1864 and rebuilt in 1884 following a fire, the venue has stood on Caxton Street in Petrie Terrace for more than 150 years.
Its proximity to Suncorp Stadium (formerly Lang Park) has made it the go‑to spot for pre‑ and post‑match gatherings across sporting codes, especially rugby league. The nearby ‘running of the buses’ tradition during State of Origin sees team buses travel down Caxton Street, just metres from the venue.
Under the Farquhar family, who owned the pub for nearly 30 years, the Caxton evolved into a multi‑faceted hospitality hub. Their management introduced tiers of offering including the Char Grill & Terrace Bar, the Cauldron Bar, gaming facilities, function spaces and live entertainment areas. In 2023 the Farquhar brothers were inducted into the AHA National Hall of Fame in recognition of their contribution to Queensland’s hospitality sector.
The venue is large‑scale, with multiple bars and external space allowing it to host thousands of patrons. It has been reported to handle up to 3,000 guests across its bars and car‑park areas. The site has been described as the unofficial headquarters for sporting celebrations in Brisbane.
A New Chapter: Nick Politis and SEQ Hospitality
The sale of the Caxton Hotel was conducted off‑market and negotiated by Leon Alaban and Drew Mitchell of Savills Australia and New Zealand. Politis’ company, SEQ Hospitality Group, in which he holds a controlling interest via Eumundi Group, is adding the Caxton to its growing southeast Queensland portfolio of hotels and hospitality assets. Already the group owns a number of venues including the Treetops Tavern, the Ashmore Tavern and the Queens Arms Hotel in New Farm.
For Politis, whose net worth is estimated in the multiple billions, this purchase adds to his interests in sport, real‑estate and hospitality. The acquisition places him in direct competition with nearby NRL‑owned venues, such as the Beetson Hotel (formerly the Gambaro Hotel), which has been transformed into a sports‑bar experience by the ARL Commission.
Although based in Sydney, Politis has long‑standing ties to Queensland, and the acquisition continues the venue’s strong connection to the rugby‑league community. With SEQ Hospitality overseeing operations, the Caxton Hotel is set to continue its longstanding role as a landmark in Brisbane’s cultural and sporting landscape.
Read: Magic Round Brings a Buzz to Caxton Street
Looking Ahead
With the transaction finalised, fans in Brisbane can expect the Caxton Hotel to remain a major destination for sport, entertainment and community gatherings. Its long history, combined with new ownership and management, positions it to stay an important hub for generations of supporters.
Published 10-November-2025
