New owners have plenty in mind for iconic Lakes Creek Hotel

CHARLENE Sim has swapped the bustling Sydney life for the Beef Capital and couldn’t be happier.

Lakes Creek Hotel Owner Charlene Sim. Photo Allan Reinikka / The Morning Bulletin. Picture: Allan Reinikka

CHARLENE Sim has swapped the bustling Sydney life for the Beef Capital and couldn't be happier.

Charlene and her husband Phil were adamant on owning a pub during their life, and when the opportunity came to purchase one in Rockhampton, they grabbed it with both hands.

Phil, 45, and Charlene, 32, are the new owners of Lakes Creek Hotel and have plenty in store for the iconic pub.

"My husband had been looking at pubs for a few years, and he'd been looking at this one while it was on the market," Charlene said,

"We put an offer in and got it."

The couple packed their bags late last year and drove to Rockhampton in two days, ready to dive head first into a new business.

"The hotel needs work, we need to build our patronage up again as well," Charlene said.

Work on a dining area and sports bar are on their agenda.

"But we have quite a few plans for the place and after speaking to the regulars they think we're on the right track with what we're going to do."

Charlene said they had spent their whole lives in Sydney and were ready for a change. While Charlene has a background in fashion design, she's managed a business before and was looking for a new challenge. Her husband is a chef by trade with experience in running and managing pubs under his belt.

Charlene said despite the heat, Rockhampton has been a great change for them.

"Rocky is very different but refreshing," she said.

"It's a lovely change from the on-the-go rush from Sydney.

"We're on the go at the moment but it's different up here, it's more relaxed."

AUSTRALIA DAY

Lakes Creek Hotel is holding Australia Day celebrations

12pm-3pm

Mechanical bull

Face painter, balloon artist

Sausage sizzle

Originally published as New owners have plenty in mind for iconic Lakes Creek Hotel