The venerable Cumberland Hotel in regional Victoria has closed under a cloud, as doubt forms around the outcry of homophobia by the departing publican.
Built circa 1860, the Cumberland is thought to be the oldest weatherboard pub in the state and is the only one in the regional town of Smeaton, west of Daylesford and north of Ballarat.
Caleb and James Consiglio began operating the hotel in Q4 2022, as newlyweds, hoping to create a friendly local where they could offer “exceptional” food, local beer, wine and spirits, and community spirit.
It was not long before they saw their first setback, when in December a car crashed into the hotel, causing extensive damage.
In February James Consiglio reported being the victim of a homophobic attack outside the pub, where he was struck by a car, allegedly driven by a man involved in ongoing ire against the pair.
James’ injuries forced them to temporarily close the pub, for two weeks.
But by late March, less than six months after they took over, the men announced they would be moving on and closing the hotel, following reported harassment and rising costs, saying they had made the “tough but necessary decision” as they had reached the point where they could no longer do repairs at their own expense, and even feared for the safety of staff and guests.
“Nor should we be the subject of hurtful, pathetic and disgraceful rumours,” they said.
However, documents dated 30 March were recently posted on the door of the establishment alleging breaches of the lease and more than $20k owed to the landlord.
The papers are said to allege the Consiglios are delinquent in payments from December to March, being around $11k in rent arrears and more than $8k in running costs, and that they shut the doors without permission from the freeholder, who is also claiming over $1,600 in legal costs. These amounts are said to be due within two weeks.
But potentially the greatest twist in the trist tryst is that James Consiglio, who is a qualified chef, was specifically not permitted to be involved with the business. The liquor licence was assigned to Caleb Harvey.
According to the hotel’s general licence, “James-Anthony Consiglio is not to have any involvement, directly or indirectly, in the business of the licensee and is not allowed to attend the licensed premises during trading hours and whilst the premises is open to the public”.
The future of the pub remains unknown, along with what if any money is to be or has been repaid by the departing Consiglios.
