Iconic Goulburn Valley pub The White Hart Hotel, Longwood is for sale

It was once named Victoria’s best pub by a leading radio personality, and for 150 years it has been quenching the thirst of locals and tourist. It’s now on the market.

Nadine Harmeston says it is with a “heavy heart” she is giving up the iconic White Hart Hotel in Longwood. Picture: Zoe Phillips

A 150-year-old country hotel nestled on the side of the Hume Highway that was once voted Victoria’s best pub has hit the market.

The White Hart Hotel in Longwood, which was built in 1874 is on the market once again after being run by publican Nadine Harmeston since September 2022.

Ms Harmeston, who also runs Bank Street Pizza in neighbouring Avenel, says it is with a “heavy heart” she is selling, but needs to focus on running the pizza business.

“Longwood is such a good community, the regulars are just like family,” she said.

The gastro-style pub is the only watering hole in town, making it a popular destination for locals along with tourists, with people flocking from nearby Benalla, Euroa, Nagambie, Yea, Yarck and Shepparton.

The pub, which in 2020 was named Victoria’s Pub of the Year by 3AW radio’s Tony Leonard,

is just off the Hume Highway, so Ms Harmeston says they even get “Sydney hot shots” rolling in.

The White Hart Hotel is nearly 150 years old. Picture: Connor McCloy

Outgoing publican Nadine Harmeston loves her staff at the White Hart Hotel. Picture: Connor McCloy

Beers are to be enjoyed at this iconic local venue. Picture: Connor McCloy

The pub has your typical Australian evenings — such as burger night on Wednesday and parma night on Thursday — but it is the “Sunday sessions” Ms Harmeston loves the most, where wood-fired pizzas are eaten and schooners of draught are drunk.

Friday night patrons are treated to “Joker Poker” — where raffle tickets are drawn out of a hat, and the winner gets an opportunity to select the Joker card out of a deck of cards placed on the wall, as well as an opportunity to win a meat tray.

The pub also does regular ‘Open Mic’ nights as well as getting three bands in a month.

Locals love listening to music at the White Hart. Picture: Connor McCloy

The beer garden is “perfect for events and entertainment”. Picture: Connor McCloy

You can enjoy a wide range of beers at the White Hart. Picture: Connor McCloy

Ms Harmeston says she has a message for any prospective buyers.

“Look after your bread and butter, be a part of the community … It took me a year (to win the locals over).”

Ms Harmeston says her staff have a great work ethic, and will often close on a Sunday to help her out, and it doesn’t hurt they are locals.

“I’ve got staff here that used to run around here as toddlers.”

During power outages which affected the entire Strathbogie council, the pub remained open so people could “mingle”.

The White Hart was restored and renovated in 2019, “worth a closer look and is an absolute must to inspect”, says McDonald Hospitality Brokers’ Dan McDonald.

“A destination venue, beautifully restored in 2019 with multiple income streams and a passionately loyal following, The White Hart Hotel Longwood is a great example of the modern hotel offering.”

“Within our most recent hotel sales and enquires, we are witnessing particularly strong interest in venues such as the White Hart Longwood where a progressive and rejuvenated hotels are essentially walk in turnkey opportunities.”

“The White Hart of Longwood has a flexible sales format where both leasehold and freehold purchase opportunities are available to market so get in touch with us at MHB”, Mr McDonald said.

The pub features a beer garden which is “perfect for events and entertainment”.