Victorian Premier Steve Bracks today opened Melbourne icon, The Young and Jackson Hotel, after its $6 million renewal.

The Premier also unveiled and welcomed home Young and Jackson's celebrated resident Chloe. The famous nude artwork returns after her sojourn at the National Gallery of Victoria on Russell during the hotel's restoration.

Melburnians will see radical changes in Australia's most famous pub, which now showcases Australia's best beer, food and wine, offering Melburnians and city visitors a contemporary experience in a unique heritage setting. The hotel now has its own beer brand, Young and Jackson's Naked Ale. The renewal of Young and Jackson's adds to the developing Federation Square precinct, which includes the refurbished Flinders Street Station, the revitalised Flinders Lane and new hotels.

Young and Jackson's has been satisfying the thirst of Melbourne's drinkers since the Gold Rush days of 1861 and is Victoria's oldest hotel in continual operation. The hotel's site was originally purchased by city founder, John Batman, in Melbourne's first land sale.

Premier Bracks said he welcomed the investment in Victoria's future through the revitalisation of the state's heritage.

"Young and Jackson's and Chloe together have been attracting visitors from throughout the country and around the world for nearly a century. The hotel's renovation means that Victorians and visitors can enjoy this marvellous landmark for generations to come," the Premier said.

"The hotel has sat at Melbourne's major crossroads since 1861 and now it's part of a new focus and precinct for the city with Federation Square. It's a great Victorian and I'm delighted to celebrate its rebirth and opening."

Foster's Brewing Group's Australian brewing and hospitality operations, Carlton and United Breweries (CUB), bought the hotel in 1998 and commenced restoration after Anzac Day last year, when 2000 ex-servicemen and women dropped in for a drink.

The Managing Director of CUB, Mr James King, said CUB and Foster's were proud of the part they had to play in giving a beloved Australian icon relevance to future generations.

"Y&J's is part of our folklore. Last century, young Victorians toasted Chloe before leaving for war, looking forward to returning home and drinking with her again."

"Now Young and Jackson's will be more than a legend - it will also be a great place to eat, drink, meet and enjoy yourself," said Mr King.

The hotel now features three new bars downstairs - the Corner Bar, the Long Bar and the Front Bar, and Chloe's Rooms upstairs. There is also a specialty bottleshop on the ground floor.

Upstairs, queen of the bar, Chloe, has been given a fitting domain. From the top of a new staircase she is immediately visible through her Salon, taking pride of place in her own bar, which flows through to her Brasserie.

"Melbourne's meeting place since 1861 will also become a great eating place - a showcase for Australia's great beer, food and wine," Mr King said.

Beer will be treated with the seriousness and theatre normally reserved for wine, with craft, specialty and traditional favourites on offer. Trays of samples will offer tastings of differing styles and regular beer tastings will be held for connoisseurs.

Opening in time for Grand Prix weekend, more than 250 kegs of Melbourne's best beer have been delivered to the pub to meet this weekend's demands.

For further information:

Liz Jarvis
Tel: +61 3 9633 2259
Mob: 0418 651 374
Email: liz.jarvis@fostersgroup.com