A NORTH East historic hotel frequented by the likes of Ned Kelly is now writing a new chapter.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Plough Inn at Tarrawingee reopened midweek for the first time since March when it closed amid the coronavirus pandemic.
New owners Phil and Cate Lithgow, who lived at Sunbury for the past 20 years, reopened the hotel for takeaway coffee and toasties - allowed under stage three restrictions in regional Victoria - on Wednesday.
Wangaratta born-and-bred and with family ties to the first settlers at Tarrawingee, Mr Lithgow said the couple felt like it was a bit of a homecoming.
He said his great-great grandparents were the first couple married in the Tarrawingee church in 1864, the same year The Plough Inn was built.
"The hotel was first established in 1861 as a weatherboard structure but they put the brick building up a few years later in 1864," he said.
"It was one of Ned Kelly's watering holes; it's rumoured he rode his horse through the pub and had his own special stool; it's a knotted wooden bench that you can still see today."
Having been on the lookout for a hotel business for the past 18 months, the couple were thrilled when The Plough Inn came onto the market in June.
They inspected it on a Saturday and made a successful offer the next day.
"We knew what we wanted," Mr Lithgow said.
"Tarrawingee has a strong community and the hotel has a lot of passing traffic. It just all added up."
IN OTHER NEWS:
With three adult children and seven grandchildren - including a daughter, son-in-law and three granddaughters now living at Yackandandah, Mr Lithgow said the couple were very focused on family.
He said The Plough Inn was an important community hub for many.
"We are looking forward to making sure The Plough Inn regains its place in the heart of the Tarrawingee community as a great family-friendly pub," he said.
Having both worked at the Sunbury Football Social Club, the couple toured hotels in Ireland and Scotland 12 months ago for inspiration to run their own business.
Mr Lithgow said they would offer lunch and dinner menus as soon as coronavirus restrictions eased.
"We will have a simple pub menu done really well; no art on a plate," Mr Lithgow said.
"We'll have good parmis and good steaks. We can't wait to get the bar open and pour some beers.
"We're really just looking forward to connecting with the community."
The Plough Inn will operate 7am to 11am Monday to Saturday for now under stage three restrictions in regional Victoria.
Our COVID-19 news articles relating to public health and safety are free for anyone to access. However, we depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.
