Winner revealed: 112 year-old pub crowned Western Downs’ best pub meal

A 112-year-old pub in a town of just 300 people has been voted as boasting the best pub meal on the Western Downs, beating out watering holes from Dalby, Chinchilla, Miles and more. Read more here.

After two weeks of voting, Western Downs’ favourite pub meal has been revealed with fan favourite the Bun Hotel taking out the top spot with almost double the votes of second place.

Situated in Kaimkillenbun, the storeyed 112-year-old watering hole is currently undergoing renovations that will give the more than a century old pub a face lift and provide more space for patrons.

Located 30 minutes from Dalby the hotel was originally a wooden building and was constructed in 1908 by a man named Lynagh, who had plans to open a hotel with the closest watering hole 20km away in Dalby.

The plan was however promptly shut down when Reverend George Tulloch and the church campaigned against the hotel with the town vote retuning a no vote.

Three years later gold miner Edwin Higgs again applied for a hotel licence and this time was successful, and so the Bun Hotel was born.

NEW BEGINNING: Stephen and Jaimee Neilsen-O'Donnell own the Miles Windsor Hotel.

Owners Jaimee and Stephen Neilsen, who also own the Windsor Hotel in Miles which placed fourth behind the Australian Hotel Dalby and the Club Hotel Chinchilla, said it felt great to be recognised for their food.

“Stephen and I are proud of our team, our head chef Hailey Hopkins and everything they have done the last three years building the business up,” Jaimee said.

“I believe we were voted for because of our it is consistency all of produce is made fresh to order.

“We crumb our own chicken, and make our own dressing instead of buying sauces, we believe that fresh is best.

“At the end of the day consistency is the biggest thing for us.”

Ms Nielsen said while they had an extensive menu that included all of the pub classics but there were two items that all guests needed to try.

“I recommend people try our wagyu spring rolls or one of our delicious steaks,” she said.

Ms Nielsen said it meant a lot that people picked their venue for a delicious meal and a night out.

“It comes down to appreciating the dollar and the fact your customers are choosing to spend their money in your business, you can't take that for granted,” she said.

“It is a big deal when people choose to spend their money even when times are tough and we appreciate it.”

Originally published as Winner revealed: 112 year-old pub crowned Western Downs’ best pub meal