The Yandaran Hotel or the “Yannie” as the locals know it, is about to lose its tag as “the pub with no beer”.
The historic country hotel which served its first beer in 1900 has been closed since June 27, 2019 – a total of 541 days without a beer being pulled from its taps.
However, the hotel was recently purchased by Abbie Grayson and Collin Ahern, an enthusiastic couple currently operating the Commercial Hotel at Biggenden.
Much to the delight of Yandaran locals, the pub is scheduled to reopen on Saturday December 19, just in time for a few pre-Christmas beers.
Abbie, originally from Yorkshire in England, was raised in and around pubs for many years prior to coming to Australia.
“Collin came into the hotel industry with absolutely no experience, but it hasn’t taken him long to learn,” Abbie said
“Professionally I have been more involved in tourism and event marketing which is a good cross-over for the hospitality sector.
“We are both extremely excited at the prospect of opening up the Yandaran Hotel and the community feedback we have been receiving is very positive.
“We have received our interim licence, so we are approved to commence serving alcohol.
“I’ve always been a firm believer that the local pub in a country community is an important contributor to its social fabric as well as supporting the services that are integral to these communities,” she said.
“We aim to again provide that kind of support to all community organisations through regular raffles at the pub.
“It will be a work in progress for a while.
“The kitchen will not be operational immediately but importantly, locals and travellers will be able to enjoy a cold beer once again.”
Yandaran Hotel will dish up tasty country style food
“I like to cook, and I can promise that once the kitchen is up and running we will be serving just good, solid country-style pub food.
“Parmies, schnitzels, shanks and pizzas,” Abbie said.
“The hotel will have a genuine family-friendly atmosphere including a games room, pool tables, video games and amusements for the kids.”
Abbie will be looking to immediately base herself at Yandaran to continue the pre-opening work while Collin takes care of the Biggenden operation in the interim.
“There is so much potential with the hotel. We want to develop the beer garden area for those Sunday afternoon sessions. We have a bore, so we hope to be able to green up the place and create a really nice atmosphere.
“Collin and I saw this pub as a perfect opportunity to get into something that is uniquely located being close to the ocean with Miara nearby as well as having that country aspect,” Abbie said.
Jeanette Campbell, owner of the Yandaran Store directly opposite the pub is delighted that the reopening of the Yandaran Hotel may spark a business resurgence in the community.
“There’s no doubt having the pub is great for local trade. You play to each other’s strengths and both businesses can gain from what the other has to offer.
“I have been in business here for around 16 years and the demographics of the travelling public has certainly changed in that time,” Jeanette said.
“The grey nomads are now quite different. Previously everyone towed a boat, and they would pull in to get their fuel and bait here and then go to the pub to get their takeaway beer supplies.
“The comments on the local social media pages are really positive and supportive for the reopening so I am sure everyone wishes Abbie and Collin every success.”
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