A dispute over the future of Hobson’s pub in Sandringham, Victoria, has sparked a public campaign as long-time publican Andrew Watson fights to save the venue he’s run for 18 years.
The lease for the popular local pub is set to expire in October 2025, and landlord Daniel Enright has refused to renew it, saying he intends to use the building for his own business.
Watson, who transformed Hobson’s from an Italian restaurant into a beloved bar and live music venue, has launched a “Save Our Pub” campaign, including a petition and short documentary.
He has encouraged community members to email Enright directly, resulting in the landlord receiving angry emails from strangers across the world.
Watson said the pub has been a cornerstone of the Sandringham community and holds deep personal value, especially after the loss of his daughter and wife in recent years.
Enright, who resides in California, said he informed Watson of his plans as early as 2017 and wants to pursue his own long-standing dream of running a business in the property.
He argues that he has already sacrificed financial gain by allowing Watson to operate on a fixed rent for years, costing him up to $400,000 in lost income.
Watson admitted business had slowed since the pandemic and that relocating the venue would be a costly and emotionally difficult process.
Despite gathering over 750 signatures on his petition, Watson says his hope is fading and fears he may soon be forced to walk away from the pub he built over nearly two decades.
“The building is not just a building — it’s a sense of community,” Watson said, while Enright insisted, “Leases end. I’m just pursuing my own plans now.”
