Albert Hotel Monto named Best Pub in Burnett by readers

Monto’s Albert Hotel has been named the best pub in the Burnett by readers, with owner Murray Bell revealing the winning ingredient.

The Albert Hotel in Monto has been named the Best Pub in the Burnett by readers.

The owners behind the Albert Hotel have thanked the support of the entire Burnett community after being named the best pub in the region by readers.

More than 230 votes were spread between 36 pubs from across the North and South Burnett, but the Albert Hotel came out in front as clear winner with 23 per cent of the votes.

Co-owner Murray Bell said the secret to the pub’s success was the hardworking, friendly nature of the hotel’s employees and having “the coldest beers in the Burnett”.

Mr Bell and co-owner Stewart Ende bought the business in 2022, after a Covid-triggered tree change meant the pair relocated to the regional Monto community from Brisbane, leaving behind jobs in mining and banking.

The Albert Hotel in Monto has been named the Best Pub in the Burnett by readers.

“We fell in love with Monto and the friendly community here and when we saw the pub was for sale we decided to jump on the opportunity to relocate,” he said.

The hotel has gone from strength to strength and has become an icon in the region for the quality of food and service on offer, but Mr Bell believes the presence of the pub goes beyond beers on bar tops.

“What sets us apart is our staff, our staff are incredible hard working, incredible friendly, they make sure that everyone who comes to the pub feels welcome,” he said.

“We’ve got excellent accommodation, we’ve got fantastic chefs in the bistro.”

A firm belief of Mr Bell and his partner Mr Ende is the desire to give back to the Monto and North Burnett community, with Mr Bell laughing “there’s not a lot in Monto that doesn’t have our name on it.”

Co-owners Murray Bell and Stewart Nedende have welcomed the win.

The pub sponsors dozens of community events annually, from sporting events to race days and rodeos, working hard to continue the community spirit which drew the co-owners to the region.

“We’re able to do that because of the support we receive from the community, we can only afford to do that because the community supports us during the year,” Mr Bell said.

“Without the support of the local community coming through our front doors we wouldn’t have a business, and I think it’s only right that we return the level of support back to the community.”

Originally published as Albert Hotel Monto named Best Pub in Burnett by readers