The Mitchell family serve last drinks at the Vic after 46 years of ownership

It’s the iconic pub has stood the test of time through ferocious floods and even Cyclone Marcia but after 46 years the Mitchell family have served last drinks. Find out who owns it now. VIDEO

The Victoria Tavern, at 1 & 5 Musgrave Street and 49 Bridge Street in the Rockhampton suburb of Berserker, has sold. Picture: Contributed

After almost 50 years of ownership, the Mitchell family have served last drinks at their beloved Victoria Tavern, handing over the keys to new owners Tony Klein and Stephen Roberts.

Four generations of the one family have have worked at the Musgrave St pub over the past 46 years., including the more recent Brazilian BBQ restaurant on the second floor.
Sue Mitchell is responsible for the renowned establishment and she said the tavern was the longest running family-operated independent pub in the region.

It reportedly sold for just over $5 million and Mrs Mitchell said it was a well-known landmark in on Lakes Creek Road with its large ‘XXXX Man’ adorning the front of the premises.

She said there had been many interesting times during her stint at the ‘Vic’.
“We’ve had floods and they’ve shut down everything around us and we’ve had flood parties for the neighbours.”

Positioned right near the river, the popular watering hole has been impacted by many major events like the last two significant floods of 2017 and 2010-2011.

Sue Mitchell and Tony Hancock with new Victoria Tavern owners John Klein and Stephen Roberts.

“During Cyclone Marcia, we were like Forrest Gump - we were the only hotel that was open and we had ice, so we were supplying lots of ice to all of Rocky.”

“There’s been some hard times, but they’ve also been interesting,” Mrs Mitchell said.
She said the pub was going to a good person as she has known new owner Tony Klein for many years.

Stephen Roberts, Sue Mitchell, Tony Hancock and John Klein at the Victoria Tavern.

“I’ve known John for a very long time and I think he’d be a good publican.”

“Ironically, he used to own the Victoria Hotel in Goondiwindi, so he’s got it in his blood and he’s grown up in hotels like myself.”
She said the future was uncertain but exciting.
“I don’t know what the future holds but I’m happy to have a crack at it.”
“I’d like to be remembered as a local place that people can come.”

Originally published as The Mitchell family serve last drinks at the Vic after 46 years of ownership