Duxton Pubs buys Swanport Hotel in Murray Bridge

Three hoteliers behind Duxton Pubs have recently expanded their portfolio and acquired the Swanport Hotel, but will the hotel change?

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The Swanport Hotel is now part of Ed Peter’s Duxton Pubs group. Image: Peri Strathearn.

Duxton Pubs owns more than 20 venues across SA, and now Murray Bridge’s Swanport Hotel is one of the gang.

Duxton Pubs is run by its its chairman Ed Peter and its founding shareholders Brett Matthews and Martin Palmer.

Duxton chairman Ed Peter spoke about the timeliness of such an acquisition.

“The Duxton Pub Group’s expansion into Murray Bridge comes at an exciting time, with the region experiencing strong population growth and set to benefit from nearby developments such as the Thomas Foods expansion, the Gifford Hill development and the 30-year plan for greater Adelaide,” he said.

Mr Peter also discussed whether the Swanport’s new ownership would change customers’ experience of the hotel.

“While it’s business as usual for now, the customer will be at the forefront of any future investment, ensuring that we are delivering a high quality of service to those who call it ‘their local’ as well as the growing number of people visiting the region,” he said.

“Duxton focuses on acquisition of venues that are highly connected to their local communities and so as a favourite amongst Murray Bridge locals, we’d be aiming to improve their hospitality experience and ensure (they) continue to be proud to call it ‘their local’”.

With many of the hotels in the Duxton Pubs’ portfolio being high-end venues, such as the Australasian at Goolwa and the Cremorne Hotel in Unley, some people may be surprised by the down-to-earth quality of the Swanport.

Mr Peter responded to whether Duxton aimed to make the Swanport another high-end hotel.

“The Duxton Pubs Group is focused on delivering exceptional hospitality experiences directly matched to the community it serves,” he said.

“We’ll spend some time getting to know the Swanport customers and their needs, habits and wants before making any decisions on enhancements.”

The front view of the Swanport Hotel. Photo: Michael X. Savvas.

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