HWLE has advised Melbourne’s van Haandel Group on the successful sale of St Kilda beachfront restaurant, Stokehouse, to Andrew McConnell’s restaurant group, Trader House. Through the sale, Stokehouse will join Trader House’s successful lineup of restaurants across Melbourne and Brisbane, including Gimlet, Supernormal and Marion.

The transaction will ensure the continued operation of Stokehouse as a Melbourne institution, joining one of Australia’s most established hospitality groups. The group inherits a restaurant with strong foundations following a 36-year legacy and has stated its commitment to investing in Stokehouse’s future while preserving the qualities that made an impact on its community.

HWLE Partner Laura Young, who led the transaction, said: “We are pleased to have supported the van Haandel Group through the completion of this significant transaction. Stokehouse has long held a special place in Melbourne’s hospitality landscape, and its acquisition by Trader House provides a strong platform for the restaurant’s next chapter.”

HWLE advised on multiple aspects of the transaction. The matter was led by Partner Laura Young and Special Counsel Nicole Butler, and supported by Associate Erin Upson and Solicitor Maddie King (Corporate & Commercial); Partner Matthew Powell and Associate Alex van Haandel (Property); Partners Chris Egan and Tony Lawrence, Special Counsel Katherine Aistrope and Senior Associate Dustin Grant (Employment); and Partner Sheranga Fernando and Associate Zac Lucic (Banking & Finance). The HWLE team worked closely with Moore Australia who were engaged as M&A advisors on the deal.

Note to Editors:

HWLE is the largest legal partnership in Australia. The firm comprises 2,018, staff including 279 Partners, 1,231 other legal staff and 508 support staff across offices in nine locations. HWLE is an independent, nationally integrated, full service commercial law firm that provides clients with valuable legal solutions and commercial clarity. Our low ratio of solicitors to partners ensures that our clients receive optimal access to partner resources for all matters.

For further information, please contact:

Sally Bariol, Public Relations Specialist (02) 9138 2308 or sbariol@hwle.com.au

Angelique Kear, Head of Marketing (02) 9334 8541 or akear@hwle.com.au