Historic hotel to become a ‘showcase’ of local food and drinks… NEW LIFE

MAINTAINING the history of a 160-year-old Riverland hotel is the goal of three local couples beginning a new business venture.
Prominent Riverland business owners Tom and Sarah Freeman, along with Nikki and Fred Monaco and long-time visitors to the region Brad and Nicole Flowers, earlier this month purchased the Overland Corner Hotel, near Barmera.
Mr Freeman – who operates the Wilkadene Woolshed Brewery – said each couple brought unique skills to the business.
“It’s something we’ve looked at for many years now (but) we didn’t have the time to commit to it on our own,” Mr Freeman said.
“With the other business partners coming into it – having Fred and Nikki taking care of the food and Brad and Nicole living on-site to be the publicans – that’s what has made it all possible.
“Coming into this busy time of year we took a step back, thinking we were all a bit busy with everything else going on, but when the lease came up we had to change plans pretty quickly.
“Everyone’s got a different set of skills that we think are going to work together to make a good business.”
Built in 1859, the Overland Corner Hotel was the first property purchased by South Australia’s National Trust in 1965.
Mr Freeman said preserving the location’s history would remain a priority of their business.
“It’s definitely going to run as its own entity, it has its own story and it will continue to run that way,” he said.
“The things we’ve seen work – the relaxed areas, the local produce and local history – we’ll try and make the atmosphere feel the same.
“The building itself is gorgeous and has 160 years of history… (and) the gardens around there are a lovely, peaceful setting to relax.”
Fellow hotel co-owner Mrs Monaco – who also operates European Cuisine and Berri’s River Jacks Café – said the hotel would highlight a changing variety of local drinks and food.
“I’ve been interested in the hotel for over 10 years, but I just wasn’t able to do it on my own,” Mrs Monaco said.
“We’re going to showcase local drinks and produce. Hopefully once people hear about it, (this) will be another great venue for the Riverland.
“We’re going to combine our ideas and imagination. We’ll be changing our ideas regularly to keep people excited about what is happening.”
Mr Freeman said the hotel was expected to reopen in February, after closing to patrons last week for renovations.
“Hopefully mid-next month we’ll be able to open the doors,” Mr Freeman said.
“It will be a work in progress for many years to come… we’ll continue to chip away to keep things fresh and exciting.”