Victorian hoteliers Matt Vero and Scott Connolly have bought the historic Healesville Hotel, bringing plans to emulate their community-focused success in Armadale.
Healesville’s Hotel was constructed in the 1890s, comprising a public bar, bistro, generous beer garden and seven pub-style hotel rooms on the top floor, featuring all the modern creature comforts such as crisp white linen and handmade local soaps, overseen by elegant pressed metal ceilings.
Vero and Connolly share a long history with the Yarra Valley, particularly Healesville. They were already familiar with and appreciative of the pub and “jumped” at the chance to buy it when it became available.
Having signed the agreement in November, after what Vero says has been something of a dragged-out settlement, the pair are reportedly “very excited” to be finally taking possession this week.
They already steer the ship at Armadale’s Orrong Hotel, where they have made a thriving practise of engaging heavily with the community, and plans at Healesville are set for a similar course.
This begins with a brief makeover, aiming to foster the historic hotel’s charm while helping it appeal more to a younger, vibrant patron base.
“We’ll close for a month, tidy up and reopen with a new refreshed offer,” explain Vero.
“We’ve got a great chef on board so will look to do an elevated offer in the dining room and get more of a pub feel happening in the rest of the venue.”
The menu is set to be based in traditional pub fare, plus a changing seasonal menu of fresh Yarra Valley produce.
The Hotel closed for general trading in May, although the accommodation continued to operate, and works are on track for reopening later this month, entering winter.
Vero reports locals’ feedback is they’re looking forward to a more casual offering, and the new owners hope to restore the kind of public bar where you can enter by yourself and always know people to talk to and share a drink.
“We plan on bringing back some traditional pub elements, like footy in the public bar, with a view to reengaging with the Healesville community.”
