The beers flowing again at iconic pub: Virginia Tavern is back

It’s been a long time between cold beers, but one of the Darwin region rural area’s most iconic watering holes is back.

Virginia Tavern Darwin

It’s been a long time between cold beers, but the iconic Virginia Tavern is back.

The popular country style tavern pub around 26km from Darwin opened its doors this week without much fanfare, but it hasn’t taken long for word to get around.

Locals are voting with their feet and plenty are making a beeline for the spruced-up watering hole.

Chef Matt has the kitchen cranked up and pumping out a good sized menu with everything from mean looking steaks, seafood, lamb shanks and pizza to burgers, pastas, fresh made breads and pies.

And of course, what tavern doesn’t have a healthy rang of schnitties.

Virginia Tavern Darwin new deck

The beer taps are running with all the favourites including Guiness, Great Northern, Carlton Dry, Stone&Wood and plenty of others.

The tavern has been refurnished and refurbed with the outside deck area inviting.

The owners, DCL Hospitality’s Darren Lynch, Guy Dunn and Andrew Case, say they are pumped to bring the beloved rural area local back to life, refreshed and ready for the community.

“We opened about 2pm Tuesday and it has been great,” Mr Lynch said.

“It was a solid afternoon with a lot of locals excited to be back enjoying a beer and a meal back in their local tavern again.

“The food went well, we did about 80 meals so I’m thinking it could be a big Friday.

Virginia Tavern Darwin

“The tavern has come up really well and it’s looking really good with the refresh.

“So far the beers have been cold and the customers have been happy, which is what we are all about.”

The tavern last served drinks in 2022, shutting its doors following a dispute between the landlord and licensee.

In 2023 the leasehold title for the tavern, located at 30 Virginia Rd, was listed for $1.4 million.

Local feedback has been good.

“Fantastic to see the Virginia Tavern back open.” one local said.

“A top spot for a cold beer and meal and a true gem of our rural pub scene,” another said. “Great to be out there enjoying it again with Darren, Guy, Andrew and the team that worked hard to make it happen,” was another comment.

Virginia Tavern Darwin staff

Originally published as The beers flowing again at iconic pub: Virginia Tavern is back