Anne and Ian Moore sell North East pub, the White Hart Hotel, to Melbourne investor

A 137-year-old pub near Euroa is under new management after 18 years of local ownership. Meet the new publican.

The 137-year-old White Hart Hotel, an award-winning North East Victorian pub, has been sold with a hospitality family now in charge.

Anne and Ian Moore had owned the renowned pub for the past 18 years, before listing it for sale in May.

The venue has been snapped up by a Melbourne investor after five different buyers vied for the iconic pub, which was built about 1885.

Avenel business owner Nadine Harmeston and her family have been appointed as tenants.

Ms Harmeston said she was excited to take over the historic pub, adding it to her existing business, Bank Street Pizza, in nearby Avenel.

“The reception so far has been nothing but positive and that gives us more confidence,” Ms Harmeston said.

“My idea of the pub is keeping that warm environment where everyone can be themselves.

“For farmers, shearers and locals we want the pub to feel like a big, warm hug for everyone in the community.”

Avenel business owner Nadine Harmeston is the new tenant of the White Hart Hotel. Picture: Zoe Phillips

To ensure the White Hart Hotel remained one of Victoria’s best pubs, Ms Harmeston said she was calling on the help of her family.

Her mum, who has years of experience as a chef, will run the kitchen, while Ms Harmeston’s brother is returning from the United States with his family to help manage the day-to-day operations.

In a social media post, departing owners Anne and Ian Moore said it was a “bittersweet” moment to hand over the keys.

The White Hart Hotel has been standing since 1885.

“We are very excited and grateful to be handing over the reins,” they said.

Elders Real Estate Euroa agent Christine Ford handled the sale and said the community was excited the pub would remain open.

“This is a marriage made in heaven,” Ms Ford said.

“There is always a little bit of uncertainty when an icon like this goes on the market, but everyone is pleased to see it will remain open.”

The White Hart Hotel is located at Longwood, 15km from Euroa.

In 2020 the White Hart Hotel was named Victoria’s Pub of the Year in 2020 by 3AW radio’s Tony Leonard.

Recently, the Buchan Caves Hotel was purchased by a local family while Corryong’s 140-year-old Courthouse Hotel has a new tenant.