AVC’s Mihi Tavern has rebounded from natural disaster, reopening after a $2.5 million renovation with a new offering targeted directly at the local young family demographic.
In February the popular pub was forced to close after flash flooding, seen in many regions of central and south-east Queensland at the time.
Making the most of the opportunity and subsequent closure of all pubs in March, every space within the Mihi Tavern has been renovated.
A focus now is a modern indoor-outdoor dining space with booth seating and BBQ, joining a lounge and bar space and new kids play area said to be the largest in the vicinity, with interactive wall panels, slides, play structure and plenty of grassy lawn.
The sports bar and outdoor area are designed for locals to gather, drink and watch entertainment, welcoming a stage for live music, eight screens including a “mega” screen for live sport, two new large outdoor bocce lanes, and even furry friends into the beer garden.
The menu has also had a re-vamp, with old classics joined by some newbies, such as the line-up of snacks and starters, ‘Mix and Match’ kids meals, and the all-new Parmi Challenge, daring customers to attempt to devour a 1kg chicken parmi, 300g chips and a side salad in 10 minutes to score the meal for free, a photo on the Wall of Parmi Fame – and a limited-edition stubby cooler.
One aspect of the old Mihi that will continue is its support of local charities. There will be regular fundraisers and events, such as Friday night charity BBQs and the YMCA Breakfast Club.
The big re-opening celebrations start with 50 burgers being given away every day. Options count chicken, wagyu beef or smoked bean patty, and customers must register for a voucher on the website to claim.
Last Saturday, 10 October, the bistro and sports bar re-opened. The beer garden and kids’ play area will follow on Wednesday (14 October).
This Friday the frivolities begin, as “Locals’ Night” heralds a charity sausage sizzle and raffle to fundraise for the Pine Mountain and Districts Rural Fire Brigade. From 7pm Brisbane band West Texas Crude will play in the sports bar.
Saturday brings “Family Day” from 12-3pm, with food and drink specials, balloons and free fairy floss, popcorn and snow cones, and Johnny the Jester entertaining the kids with a magic show.
On Sunday everyone is invited to bring the furry friends for Mihi Puppy Pals from 3pm. Pooches will enjoy free treats, while funds will be raised for the Animal Welfare League.
Australian Venue Co’s venue manager at MiHi Tavern, Erica Cartwright, says they were “thrilled by the response” from locals over the first weekend.
“Trade was busy and we were at our COVID capacity by 5:30pm on Saturday night.
“There was a lot of positive feedback from our locals and we can’t wait to celebrate with them again this weekend for our official opening weekend.
“It’s great to have the doors back open again.”
