In Sandringham, a seaside suburb of Melbourne, a fierce dispute has erupted between Andrew Watson, the publican of Hobson’s pub, and its landlord, Daniel Enright, as the pub’s lease is set to expire in October. Watson is desperately attempting to convince Enright to extend the lease, fearing the loss of his business after 18 years of service to the local community. His efforts include an online petition, a short documentary, and rallying locals to send emails to Enright.
Despite community support, Enright remains firm in his decision not to renew the lease, citing his plans to take over the property himself for a different business venture, which he believes is more lucrative. Having inherited the building from his mother in 1998 and become the sole proprietor after her passing in 2011, Enright has long held aspirations to run a business out of the location.
Watson bought the pub in 2007, transforming it from an Italian restaurant into a popular bar and live music venue. Unfortunately, he was informed by Enright that there would be no option for a lease extension, which has left him anxious about finding a new venue by the October deadline. With the prospect of relocating daunting and costly, Watson feels the weight of losing the establishment that holds precious memories, especially after the recent losses of his wife and daughter, who was the pub’s manager.
Despite his struggles with business, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, Watson continues to fight for the pub that is deeply embedded in the community’s fabric. Enright, on the other hand, acknowledges the pub’s historical significance but insists that Watson has been unable to meet rental expectations, which he claims has cost him considerable potential profits over the years.
As the deadline approaches, Watson’s hopes of renewing the lease dwindle, even as his petition garners over 750 signatures. He seeks alternative locations while maintaining the fond memories attached to Hobson’s, and his community continues to advocate for the pub’s survival.
The situation has polarised opinions, with Enright stating that leases expire and that he is simply pursuing his dreams for the property. Meanwhile, Watson faces the grim reality of possibly losing the business he built from the ground up if no resolution is reached.