Just two months after its farewell party and locals fearing the taps may stay dry indefinitely, new operators have proudly swung the doors back open to Birregurra epicentre the Royal Mail Hotel.
Birregurra is a farming community of 540 people, around two hours’ drive south-west of the Melbourne CBD.
The Royal Mail has served thirsty patrons since 1871 and is seen as an important local meeting place, particularly for farmers working long hours alone, who can come in and share a yarn.
The freehold owner put the property to market, but it failed to attract a buyer. The rent was subsequently raised on the lessees, but late 2019 the incumbent tenants announced they were unable to meet the increase and had been forced to sell the lease back to their landlord.
A farewell party was held at the pub on 9 November, and locals lamented both the loss of their watering hole and social refuge.
But now, picking up the reins are Amanda Garner and business partner Marianne Stewart, owners of UPAH & Co.
In early January Garner, a chef by trade, appealed through the Birregurra Community Facebook page for bar, kitchen and cleaning staff to join the new operation, championing they “would love to hire as many locals as possible”.
And last Friday the pub took in its first patrons again, planning to trade seven days a week.
Starting 1 February the kitchen will be open also, ahead of an official reopening party scheduled for Valentine’s Day, 14 February.
Garner says they are looking to revive “a cracking little pub” and provide a much-needed boost for the town. PubTIC was unable to make contact prior to publication.
