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Otway Estate takes over Gellibrand River Hotel The Echo, 9th May 2008

Otway Estate takes over Gellibrand River Hotel

The Otways’ oldest pub, the Gellibrand River Hotel will be managed by Otway Estate, Victoria’s first winery and brewery, from July 1.
Publicans Lee Kennedy and Linda Elsworthy who moved from Williamstown 10 years ago to take on the country pub are moving to a retirement property in Gellibrand.

Otway Estate general manager Janine Rose said she and husband Andrew Noseda had teamed up with silent partners to buy the historic pub which dates to 1898. Ms Rose, of Geelong, said the purchase was a strategic move for the Barongarook winery and brewery, creating another outlet for the sale of their award-winning beers and wines.

Otway Estate’s plans for the pub include creating a family-friendly garden and relaxed atmosphere within the pub which overlooks the Otways foothills and the picturesque Gellibrand River.

“We want to build the community spirit and make it a real locals’ pub,” Ms Rose said.

“We will also welcome families from across the region and tourists walking or cycling the Beechy Rail Trail, which goes right past the front door,” Ms Rose said.

“Country hospitality will be the key to our service and we’ll be serving good country pub food.

“It will be a place where people can come and watch sport on Sky TV or relax in front of the open log fire.”

Ms Rose said Otway Estate was committed to supporting other local businesses in developing the pub and hoped to grow the business significantly to offer more job opportunities for locals.

Ms Rose wished landlords Linda and Lee a happy retirement.

“We are sad to be leaving the pub, but after a decade it’s time to move on,” Ms Elsworthy said.

“We’ve met lots of great people, we’ve had fantastic staff, and we think it’s a terrific place to live,” she added.

Ms Elsworthy said she and Mr Kennedy had thoroughly enjoyed their time at the hotel.

“Originally it was a wayside stop for travellers, mill workers and timber workers,” Ms Elsworthy said.

“The original hotel was open in about 1895. It was just a weatherboard structure which burnt down. Then Joseph Marks built the existing hotel and it opened in 1898, so it’s the oldest original pub in the district. If the walls could speak I’m sure they’d have some tales to tell,” she added.