The Robert Peel Hotel was established in 1857 by John Wood, owner of the Yorkshire Brewery across Wellington Street. It was purchased by the Carlton Breweries in 1887 during their expansion and absorption of many of the smaller breweries around Collingwood. The hotel was rebuilt in 1912 in a distinctive style by Sydney Smith and Ogg, and is one of three of their distinctive "towered" hotel buildings in the area (along with the Bendigo Hotel and the Perseverance Hotel.) The building was further renovated in 1926 and 1967. It remains one of the oldest continuously trading pubs in Collingwood, and has further significance as a venue with a long historic relationship with Melbourne's gay community. Renamed as "The Peel" in 1980, the venue was able to formally obtain legal exemption from the Equal Opportunity Act in 2007 in order to preserve its role as a safe and supportive space for gay patrons.
by laurenpiko on March 3, 2019Please login to comment on this item