Denise and Kevin Raue had the hotel on the market as a going concern for almost two years and were expecting to call last drinks this month.

It will close Monday and reopen Tuesday under the management of new owners Noel Perdon and Jodien Mason.

The former King Valley couple at one time owned the Benambra Hotel.

They said they liked the relaxed, country feel of Eskdale.

“Everyone is so friendly and it fits the bill for us,” Ms Mason said.

“The hotel’s been renovated, so it needs no money spent on it.

“The deck is just amazing and it has a new glycol beer system.”

The meals are set to change, with the couple focusing more on food.

“We will run the kitchen ourselves and concentrate on pub meals,” Mr Perdon said.

“Jodien is an amazing cook.”

The pub will open at 11am, seven days a week. It has five twin rooms with renovated bathrooms.

Mr and Mrs Raue are relieved it will stay open.

“We put six years of heart and soul into this place and we are looking forward to returning as customers,” Mrs Raue said.