Yackandandah's historic pub calling first drinks in August

Yackandandah’s beloved watering hole is coming back to life, with its doors to reopen on Friday, 1 August. After quietly closing in late 2024, the Yackandandah Hotel has been revived by Melbourne-based former Executive Chef of Yolk Group, Dale Kemp and his partner Brittany Hart, alongside fellow ‘hospitality pros’ Jackson Cartwright and Sian Haycock. “We’ve been visiting Yack for years and always had our hearts set on living here,” Mr Kemp said. “Since we arrived, we’ve fallen in love with the town even more – the pace, the people and its strong sense of community. “The locals have been so invested in the refurb journey, welcoming us with open arms and we can’t wait to do the same for them.” Affectionately known by locals as ‘the bottom pub’, the legendary local was originally built in 1868 to serve the town’s gold-mining community, and has been a social hub for the region ever since. Comprising a front bar, dining room and expansive outdoor area, the new design champions restoration over renovation. Original structural elements have been retained, including heritage ceiling plasterwork and brown brick that wraps the front bar and surrounds. The bar remains the heart of the venue, now complete with a horseshoe-shaped top made from reclaimed local red-gum sourced from a farm just 10 minutes up the road. Thanks to farmer Connor Barton, there’s also a large communal table crafted from a 500-year-old local tree that adds a unique sense of history and character. Ms Hart said she was hoping to give Yackandandah a country pub it could be proud of. “One that locals love and visitors feel lucky to stumble across,” she said. “We’re creating the kind of pub we look for – combining quality food and booze with warm hospitality that makes you feel right at home.” The large outdoor space will see a raised cast iron chiminea keep guests warm in winter, with ample seating for sun-drenched afternoons come summer. A stage will welcome local artists for live music sessions, and a large screen inside. The double story building is set to launch an accommodation offering upstairs in the warmer months, where six quaint rooms boast views that overlook the town below. Before leading the kitchens of one of Melbourne’s most successful café groups, Mr Kemp was no stranger to working in pubs. He started his career in kitchens across Nelson, New Zealand after growing up in Alexandra, Central Otago. And now the celebrated chef is looking forward to returning to his small-town roots to deliver a menu that celebrates its surroundings. Doors swing open to the revamped historic venue on Friday, 1 August, ushering The Yackandandah Hotel into a new era, while leaning into the old dame’s original charm and nostalgia.

Yackandandah's historic pub calling first drinks in August

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