A right Royal return

AFTER closing its doors for almost two years, Harrisville's historic Royal Hotel is back.

Monika and Steve Patrick bought the Royal hotel in Harrisville and will have a big launch party on Australia Day. . Picture: Rob Williams

AFTER closing its doors for almost two years, Harrisville's historic Royal Hotel is back.

New proprietors Steve and Monika Patrick will be hosting a festival of Australian events on Thursday to celebrate Australia Day and officially celebrate the reopening.

The Royal Hotel has been closed for more than 18 months and its licence had expired before the Patricks purchased it in 2010.

Mr Patrick, a Harrisville local and first-time hotel owner, said he hoped to make the Royal a family attraction in the region.

"We're trying to make the Royal a real family-oriented pub," he said.

"We haven't got any pokies or keno, and the first thing I did was put a basketball hoop up out the back for the kids to use."

The Royal Hotel is the oldest pub in Harrisville and one of the oldest in the region being first opened in 1875.

The original Hotel burnt down in 1920 but was rebuilt to its current appearance.

Mr Patrick said the community had got behind the newly reopened hotel.

"As a mate of mine said "What can be better than a pub reopening?"

While the Royal Hotel had been open for business for the past six weeks it will be hosting an official grand reopening on Thursday.

Celebrations on the day will include a number of Australia- themed games.

Patrons will be able to take part in "throwing the thong" and "goanna pulling" competitions, and "catching the greasy pig" for kids.

"It's all Australian-type stuff. People will really enjoy it."

The Australia Day festivities will begin at noon on Thursday with live music being performed at the hotel from 1pm to 4pm.

The celebrations will also see a number of children's activities including a jumping castle and pony rides.

Originally published as A right Royal return