Committed Queenslanders the Ghanem Group are beefing up Boonah with a major restoration of the historic Commercial Hotel and the addition of beer-based attractions for the tourist region.
Established in 1905, the iconic Queenslander pub is open again, having undergone a “gentle facelift” throughout, bringing tweaks to the bistro, accessibility, furniture, lighting, and upgrades to both the kitchen and bathrooms.
Joining the operation is a vibrant new beer garden and adjacent car park, and new craft brewery – Boonah Brewing Co (BBCo), with brews already pouring in the pub.
The hotel’s accommodation is undergoing a more detailed renovation. The completed project is slated for opening by the end of the year.
But despite the augmentation, the Group insists the “old-fashioned hospitality” of the long-loved pub remains. They hope the renovation and additions will bolster the appeal of the town, in Queensland’s Scenic Rim – already an increasingly popular travel destination – particularly when the rooms come online, for a boutique, short-stay destination.
The family-owned Group has a farm in nearby Tarome, raising livestock and growing fruit and vegetables. The brewery uses natural spring water from the farm, and mash from the brewing process will be fed to cattle.
The Ghanem family took over the pub three years ago, armed with a long-held dream of opening a craft brewery. Planning on the restoration and expansion began immediately, and construction on the brewery began last June.
Now in production, so far the brewery deliversa full-flavoured mid-strength beer and an alcoholic ginger beer. Four more bespoke core brews will hit the taps in coming weeks, bringing an Aussie XPA, an Italian lager, a rice lager and a hard lemonade. In the future there will be seasonal and specialty batches.
BBCo brews are exclusively available, on tap, at the Commercial and in the brewery, but in time they will be ranged in all Ghanem Group venues and bottleshops.
The Ghanems hold close ties to the local Scenic Rim community – a region the family “cherishes” – and has been “very passionate” about restoring a property precious to locals, while bolstering the region’s appeal.
“The Commercial Hotel Boonah is central to the fabric of the community and will continue to be so,” says Group director Adonis Ghanem.
“BBCo beers are pouring, and we invite everyone to come along, pull up a stool at the bar, or table in the beer garden, and enjoy the autumn sunshine, cold beers, and bistro menu this weekend.”
Complementing the new look is an expanded bistro menu, available both inside and in the new outdoor area, steered by executive chef Jake Nicolson.
The family-friendly offering strives to be an elevated bistro menu, with pub staples and ‘Commie Classics’, such as house made Fish Fingers & Chips, Tandoori Duck Curry, Slow-Cooked Lamb Shank Pot Pie, and Smoky Beef and Maple Sausage with Caramelised Onion and Gravy. There is a range of starters, salads, burgers, and Detroit-style pizzas to ensure something for everyone
“This project has been a long time coming to fruition,” adds Ghanem.
“We are thrilled to finally open Boonah Brewing Co and the beer garden.”
