Kilmore’s Red Lion Hotel was put firmly back on the map when it reopened on Monday.
The 169-year-old pub in Victoria’s oldest inland town was once owned by drug boss Tony Mokbel, who purchased it in 1996 for $465K. It was built by the inaugural Kilmore councillor, John Butler, whose descendants still reside in the town today.
The hotel closed during the pandemic, but has now been revived by a new team, who have given the Lion a significant renovation, including removing blackberry bushes that had filled the beer garden.
The pub incorporated the town’s feedback in its renovations and first looked close to home when searching for staff.
“We are committed to supporting and empowering members of the community, ensuring they have the resources, guidance, and opportunities they need to grow and succeed,” said the proprietors on social media, putting out a request for workers.
Local Kim Short is now at the helm as the new venue manager.
Short says the community perceives that it owns the pub, and they aim to keep the feeling of welcoming people ‘home’ when they arrive at the venue.
The Lion was quick to reinstate its popular ‘parma-o-clock’ night, where the price of the parma depends on the time the diner arrives, in 24-hour time. For example, a patron arriving at 6pm (18:00) would pay $18, while a patron arriving at 8:00pm (20:00) would pay $20.
In its heyday, the pub would serve up to 250 parmas on ‘parma-o-clock’ night, and they hope to do so again.
In 2023 the signature red lion on the pub’s roof was removed due to safety concerns. It currently resides in the back yard of the pub, with the local historical society looking at how it can be preserved or reinstated.
Following the reopening, the Red Lion team posted that the hotel had quickly booked out “to the max”.
“We truly appreciate each and everyone one of you that has joined us this week.
“It’s been really special to connect with so many of you, hear your stories and seeing you create beautiful new memories here.
“We are so grateful to be on this journey of reigniting The Red for Kilmore”.
