Owner Leigh O’Brien did not want to discuss the reopening when contacted by The Border Mail.

The venue has had problems in recent years, with Mr O’Brien falling out with a previous manager Deanna Balins last year.

Ms Balins had been operating the venue part-time last year before the dispute.

Roger Andrews has been hired to manage the venue, which has been open seven days a week for about six weeks.

He said it was proving popular with attendees.

“We’re a bit astounded that we’re getting so many people through in the early stages,” he said.

“The hotel has a chequered history as we all know.

“It basically needs good, strong management and direction to get it up and running again.”

Mr Andrews said long-term plans which included a water park, supermarket and retail outlets would go ahead, with funding needed from the sale of land adjacent to the venue.

The venue is serving lunch every day and dinner on Friday and Saturday nights, and merchandise is also being sold.

Melbourne resident Ceri-Anne Jones, who attended the pub with her family on Sunday, welcomed the relaunch.

“We used to come here as kids and I haven’t been here for years,” she said.

“There doesn’t seem to be much down here in the region for kids and tourists, so it’s good.”

Her mother Kay Marl said the pub had a nice atmosphere.

“It had been a really good place to come for families,” she said.

“Hopefully they can get more people here.

“I think it’s a good family place.”