Finch Hatton’s Criterion Hotel bought by new publican Adam Carter

A quaint country pub nestled in the picturesque Pioneer Valley is turning a new page in its history as a former sailor and police detective takes the reins as publican.

Adam Carter, owner of the Criterion Hotel, Finch Hatton. Picture: Michaela Harlow

Many people dream of owning a pub but one former serviceman has made his dreams come true.

Adam Carter, 46, is much younger than the 117-year-old Criterion Hotel in Finch Hatton, nestled in the Pioneer Valley an hour from Mackay.

But the new publican says he’s “always wanted” to run his own establishment and plans to continue the heritage pub’s long history.

The former navy sailor, police detective, and government investigator, who took over in December, says becoming a publican is “the best decision (he’s) ever made”.

Criterion Hotel was built in 1906 and it’s new owner wants to make it “a hub for the (Pioneer) Valley, not just Finch Hatton”.

“I fell in love with the area as soon as I drove into it”, Mr Carter said.

“I want to change how we do things here (with) live music, a paint and sip event.

“It’s hard because I’ve never done it before but I’m learning and some people seem to embrace me … I want to give this a crack.

“Having the freedom … it’s so good.”

Criterion Hotel owner Adam Carter, Monday January 16, 2022. Picture: Michaela Harlow

During an Anzac Day trip to the region Mr Carter decided if he didn’t take the plunge on his lifelong dream he would one day be “60 or 70 saying I should have bought that pub”.

His wife and daughter in Brisbane support his ambitions but decided to remain in Mitchelton near family and friends.

What also attracted Mr Carter to the region were the $8-13m plans for world class mountain bike trails in Finch Hatton and the neighbouring town of Eungella.

“It’s going to be one of the biggest bike trails in Australia and it’s going to be on an international standard,” he said.

“I can see the potential in the tourism that’s going to come in.

“That type of demographic (of) 25 to 65 year olds with money – some of those mountain bikes are 20 grand.

“I do like my fitness and that sort of stuff (so) I want to tap into this.”

Even the recent monsoon season hasn’t dampened his spirits, as the Criterion became a refuge for families trapped by flooded roads.

“I’ve been told (the) rain we had was unprecedented without a cyclone attached,” Mr Carter said.

“And if the pub can survive that, we’re pretty sweet.”

His advice to others considering going after their dreams was, “If you can do it, do it, because you’ll always die wondering.”

“Take that risk, as long as it’s calculated.”