James Squire to reopen

Waterfront City’s James Squire Brewhouse is to reopen under the management of Lou Jovanovski’s Rivers Group.

ING Real Estate has sold the premises, having evicted its former tenant over a rent dispute in September.

Mr Jovanovski says he is to run the business on a contract in the short-term on behalf of the new owner.

It is understood that the new owner has done a deal with Lion Nathan and will continue to trade under the James Squire brand.

Both Mr Jovanovksi and ING have refused to say who bought the premises.