Cheers to our
pubs
& clubs
IN THE GOULBURN AND MURRAY VALLEY’S
Old world charm in the modern era
ROCHESTER COMMERCIAL TAVERN... local gem. Photo: Stacey Dalziel
STARTING a long career in hospitality at the tender age of 16 at the famous Glenferrie Hotel, the Rochester Commercial Tavern owner, Olivia James, has always had a soft spot for the Rochester area and in July 2019 purchased the Tavern and made it her home. Along with her two companions, English Springer Spaniels Barney and Pepper, Olivia has created a comfortable and homely feel throughout the 1870’s-built property. The Tavern comprises of six separate areas to relax, dine and experience wines from the Yarra Valley and Adelaide Hills regions. A paved courtyard area complete with a 100-year-old Peppercorn tree, an alleyway area under hanging lights, a formal dining room complete with a rustic fireplace, front bar area, bistro area with a formal lounge in between renders the Tavern is the perfect place for your next function or get together.
The kitchen is run by head chef Mel and offers a menu that has something to please everyone with your regular Pot and Parmi Tuesday night, wood-fired pizzas Friday and Saturday night, 800g Rib Eye and 450g steaks to the locally sourced exclusive Murray Cod which Olivia hand picks herself. The kitchen is open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner as well as Friday and Saturday lunches. Boasting four rooms upstairs with their own private bathrooms, guests are able to enjoy the upstairs balcony all to themselves, which provides views of the painted silos and the street below. It’s the perfect weekend getaway spot with everything at your fingertips. The Tavern is a pet friendly space and has its own distinct abstract animal décor and tasteful furnishings that bring a modern concept into the rustic era. For bookings contact Olivia on 0481 774 986 or drop in at 49 Moore St, Rochester.
A NEW BEGINNING FOR AN OLD PUB... Matt Sleeth and Mia Parkkola have spent the closedown during the pandemic to create a new warm atmosphere for this established country pub in Moorroopna. Photo: Steve Hutcheson
A pub with new beer COUNTRY pubs epitomise regional living. They have a habit of becoming meeting points for all the locals and a calling point for visitors. The Cricketers Arms in Mooroopna has had a checkered past, and the new owners, Mia Parkkola and Matt Sleeth, have spent the duration of the COVID lockdown rebranding its look and feel. They want it to be seen as a family friendly location, without the drawcard of pokies at its core. Mat t has scoured the countr yside locating old rural collectables that adorn the new look. His handcrafted benches made from old sheep station timbers gives the dining room a rustic look and feel that is warm and comfortable.
Where they have made major change is in the kitchen. A new chef and a hard look at the quality and quantity of their meals is impressive. Steaks fresh from the market filling large plates surrounded by garden fresh vegetable, and as Matt says, "The outsized parmi's are not set on top of the chips and our veggies are not frozen." The Cricketers Arms is reverting to what regional towns want, a warm and inviting place where they can have a night out with friends and enjoy a drink and a good meal at reasonable prices. The Cricketers Arms is located at 134 McLennan Street, Mooroopna, and can be reached on 5825 3993.
The Adviser. Australia No.1:1552 Wednesday, March 24, 2021 – Page 15