Two more iconic Melbourne pubs have been added to CLG portfolio, with the group taking over O’Connell’s in South Melbourne and The Vincent in Albert Park.

CLG Chief Executive Officer Tim Fitzgerald said the new additions were a great fit for the group’s growing collection of iconic venues in Melbourne’s inner bayside.

“O’Connell’s and The Vincent are institutions in their own right. Both hotels are beloved in their local communities with outstanding reputations that have been built over many decades,” Mr Fitzgerald said.

“That ethos aligns perfectly with CLG’s DNA of operating iconic venues that deliver exceptional service, food, and wine, as demonstrated at The Albert Park Hotel, The Railway Club Hotel, Half Moon at Brighton, and Portsea Hotel.”

Mr Fitzgerald said the move was part of the group’s continuing refocus towards its home state of Victoria.

“Although CLG was originally born in Western Australia, our home is now firmly in Melbourne so we want to focus all of our passion and energy on venues that are in our local communities,” he said.

“We see the future of CLG as being the leaders in Melbourne’s modern pub culture, with a heavy emphasis on food-centric destinations with exceptional service.”

The acquisitions are part of an asset swap deal which will see Australian Venue Co (AVC) taking over CLG’s Perth venues, Raffles and The Royal on the Waterfront.

“While Raffles and The Royal have been much-loved members of the CLG family we’re confident that with AVC’s large footprint in WA, they’re perfectly placed to continue the legacies of two outstanding venues,” he said.