Kaneira Hotel taken over by Tony and David Grant

Two brothers are fulfilling a lifelong ambition to run a small country pub, while last drinks have been had at a 123-year-old venue in East Gippsland.

Two brothers are fulfilling a lifelong ambition to run a small country pub in the Mallee after leaving Melbourne last month.

But last drinks have been served at one of two hotels in an East Gippsland town hit hard by the timber industry closure, with new owners planning to redevelop the 123-year-old site for retail.

The two contrasting pub tales come as Australian Hotels Association chief executive Paddy O’Sullivan said the country hotel industry in 2024 continued to display “resilience” in meeting the challenges of running a business in tough economic times.

“They’ve been able to maintain their customer base by being community-orientated, having quality food and beverage and being the heart of their communities,” he said.

“Customers are very loyal to their country pubs.

“There are always pubs changing hands and often for the right reasons.”

The Kaneira Hotel at Culgoa in the Mallee changed hands last month. Picture: Supplied

Tony and David Grant bought the Kaneira Hotel at Culgoa in October with a “simple” philosophy of good meals and cold beer.

“We had a look around at a few and this one was the best option,” Tony, a former diesel mechanic in Campbellfield, said.

“We just wanted to buy a country pub and keep it as a country pub.

“Nothing special, nothing over the top.

“We don’t want to change it to a city pub by doing it all up.”

The pub, built in 1938, has a vacant block next door that is marketed as a “grey nomad” stopover.

It can cater for 20 caravans and the Grant brothers have been averaging at least one van per night since they took over.

Orbost's Commonwealth Hotel sold early this year, but will no longer be a pub. Picture: Supplied

Meanwhile Orbost’s 123-year-old “top pub” was sold in May for $625,000 after shutting its doors before Covid.

New owner Steve Armstrong said Orbost was too small for two pubs with plans for a makeover underway.

“What we’re trying to do is turn the downstairs areas into a number of retail outlets and have a vibrant shopping strip along there,” he said.

He said a hairdresser could be the first new tenant early in 2025 with his wife Alison also intending to establish a health and wellness clinic.

He hasn’t ruled out a coffee shop and wine bar being created in the old main bar area.