Lobster Cave closes after liquidation
Beaumaris institution Lobster Cave has shut its doors after the operating company, Lob Nominees, plunged into insolvency, leaving more than A$1.3 million in unredeemed dining vouchers. The closure ends a 38-year run for the seafood venue as administrator Stephen Dixon of Hamilton Murphy Advisory halted trading while a buyer search stalled.
“After 38 unforgettable years of laughter, friendship, and memories, Lobster Cave is closing its doors for now,” the restaurant said in a statement on Monday. “Lobster Cave will close its doors for the time being, the lease of the premises will expire and the current owner Lob Nominees Pty Ltd will cease trading.
“Lobster Cave looks forward to welcoming you back in the future to a new Lobster Cave in a new location.”
Dixon told creditors that a prospective purchaser could not proceed without landlord cooperation.
“At present, the landlords of the company’s trading premises have declined to enter into a new lease arrangement with the prospective purchaser unless the pre-appointment rent arrears is paid in full,” he said. “As a result, I may have no option but to commence steps to close the restaurant and realise the remaining equipment through an auction process.
“Auctioneers have been instructed, and trading will shortly cease, with all staff to be terminated if I cannot consummate a sale.”
The venue first entered external administration in May owing A$4.2 million.
Owner Vasillios “Bill” Ferg faces wider financial pressure after several related entities reportedly collapsed with nearly A$17 million in debt, alongside a near A$1 million bankruptcy claim.
The restaurant previously avoided liquidation in November after action by Humm Group, and hit headlines in 2017 over a high-profile political dinner.
Jonathan Jackson, 8th October 2025
