RGT: Ravo's Bush Telegraph

The re-emergence of normal life for hotel staff and owners from the Covid 2019 era has had a very cautious response from us all, and justifiably so. In a way this Covid health issue was a difficulty we reluctantly had to embrace. We had no option.

Once again, the AHA governing body provided a strong backbone to all in the industry, providing advice, updates and negotiating with governments which was appreciated by all. We had no serious health issue previously to compare with.

Regrettably we do still remain under arguably reduced duress, with Covid cases still hovering, and certainly we are not completely “out of the woods”. Reflecting in 10 years’ time, we will probably look back on this era and wonder “what the hell happened to us then” in a sour way!  Basically, we have been robbed of several years of normal life with still no real genuine end in sight. Luckily the general professionalism of our industry has been forced to again remain united and resilient as a true guardian of our localised communities. The broader hotel industry remains the main hub and meeting place of so many people in our communities.

Apart from the Covid issue, the industry has also had to deal with the effect of the great River Murray flood this year, of which much hardship, and worry and expense has been incurred by all involved – a double whammy with Covid I guess. Stay strong everybody.

This year also witnessed the

departure of our great AHA servant Ian Horne, who was rightfully farewelled with much fanfare and tremendous accolades of thanks. What a stable influence he was to us all over many years.

Being an avid supporter of the Port Districts Football club – an Amateur league Division one club (Premiers in 2022 season) – I have been watching intently the pubs in the Port/ Semaphore /West Lakes area. A couple that stand out are the Semaphore Palais, The Monkey House, Largs Pier, The Semaphore, Birkenhead Tavern, which are all very popular hotels. Then close by, the professionally run Lakes Resort  and of course the iconic Alberton Hotel, each of which you are always made to feel welcome in when walking through the doors.

Talking about hotel rumours though, (there are always plenty of them around), I did hear rumblings from someone that the Brien family may be considering retirement from the Alberton Hotel. So I went straight to the top!

Peter Brien discounted this vehemently stating “We have been here non-stop as a family for 83 consecutive years running the centre of the universe and are now making plans to add a further 17 years to bring up – in cricket parlance – the Century of ownership.”

So you have heard it direct from the RBT in this article - nothing has or will  change at the Alberton Hotel. You just have to discount rumours at times. Unfortunately, I can’t remember the guy who gave me that one.

Whilst on the Port, pubs that are benefitting from much housing development in that region include:

The Port Admiral was closed, has been redeveloped and now reopened again. Good to see.

The Lighthouse Hotel has undergone a very expensive reno which I believe is very pleasing to the eye.

The Colac Hotel, owned previously by the Labor Party, but been closed for many years is apparently reopening again soon. A very historic hotel and landmark in the Port area.

And finally, the British Hotel near the Birkenhead Bridge is, I understand, to be incorporated in a motel style accommodation development very soon.

Things are happening at The Port!  Great to see!

I recently caught up  with an old West Adelaide footballer  and District cricket mate John Burkett, who has been in the old city pub the Earl of Aberdeen, now known as the Coopers Ale House, for over 15 years. He reports good bookings for  pre-Christmas functions and trade generally. Nice to hear John.

I hope also that similarly, the pre-Christmas trade is strong throughout the AHA hotels in the city, suburbs and country areas of our state. You all certainly deserve that for the effort you put in each and every year.

I truly wish you all the very best with your families for a very Merry Christmas and a happy and positive trading period in the New Year ahead and beyond.

See you all next year!  Here comes 2024.