Merivale tipped as possible Newport Arms buyer

Is Merivale planning a Coogee Pavilion-like move on the Newport Arms? It is just one of the rumours doing the rounds in northern Sydney, with giant pub group Solotel and the Laundy family also being mentioned after the waterfront Newport Arms Hotel hit the market last month.

A number of potential suitors told Good Food they were put off by talk of as much as $50 million, despite a hot pub market and possible development opportunities.

Fraser Short was spotted taking a tour but says he won¹t be making a play on the property.

Longer odd bets include publican Ben May, who lives nearby.