Hotel Granya reopens for a beer for one day as venue hosts Peninsula Seasonal Markets

The well-known establishment will reopen its doors on Sunday in conjunction with the Peninsula Seasonal Markets.

Owners Garry Paxton and Bridget Bowe were forced to make the difficult decision to close their beloved pub in September as COVID lockdowns continued to hamper the business.

But the pair were willing to offer a pop-up service to complement the final market event before the Christmas holidays.

"I think the weather will be alright and we'll open the bar for a couple of hours in the afternoon and have a solo guy (Dan Whiting) singing," Mr Paxton said.

"There'll be a couple of food vans and the market runs from 9am to 12pm, so we'll stay open till about 4.

"We don't know how many will come, but I imagine there will be a few out and about."

A range of stallholders will be on site to offer local produce and products such as ceramics, jewellery, flowers, vegetables, crafts, photography, books, jams and baked goods.

Food and coffee vans will operate throughout the day, as well as a community barbecue.

Children can enjoy a jumping castle and face painting, with a special visit from Santa also planned.

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Mr Paxton said despite the closure of the pub, the site's farmstay accommodation has remained popular.

"Lockdown six morphed into lockdown seven was the one that broke the camel's back in terms of food and beverage," he said.

"We got the accommodation back up and running about four weeks ago and we've been booked every weekend and through to the end of January which is really good.

"Staff is a big problem though and certainly everyone having to be double vaccinated to be employed is also a problem."

Ms Bowe encouraged all marketgoers to bring a picnic rug and stick around to enjoy the afternoon.

"This is a much welcomed event for community members and stallholders looking forward to showcasing the wonderful products and wares and getting out and about," Ms Bowe said.

"Many are returning stall holders, though several enterprises will be participating for the first time.

"It's the perfect opportunity for the public to support small and micro business in time for Christmas."

As Hotel Granya is the host, all visitors are required to be fully vaccinated.

Peninsula Seasonal Markets was started by six school students during remote learning and has also hosted events at Bethanga, Bellbridge and Talgarno.

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