Regional Victoria pubs re-open with beer gardens a popular option

The phones of country hotels rang hot with bookings for the first day of table service drinks since July — particularly pubs with a well-furnished beer garden.

Cheers: Wandi Pub co-owner Patrick Subacius. Picture: Kirrily Carberry

ANNOUNCEMENTS by Victorian premiers rarely create a ripple across the Garden State’s pubs.

But an easing of coronavirus restrictions by Daniel Andrews last week was arguably the most welcome Spring St declaration for publicans since Henry Bolte banished the six o’clock swill in February 1966.

The phones of country hotels from Wandiligong to Warrnambool rang hot with bookings for the first day of table-service drinks since July — particularly pubs with a well-furnished beer garden.

In Victoria’s North East, Wandi Pub co-owner Patrick Subacius said the establishment’s famed beer garden provided the ideal space and ventilation needed in the coronavirus age.

“You could say we’re the perfect COVID-safe pub,” he said. “There were plenty of bookings after the announcement that we could go back to table service. People want to support their local pub.”

The Wandi Pub has maintained indoor table service, but its beer garden allows it to seat far more guests than the more confined pubs located in regional centres such as Ballarat and Bendigo. “You’ve got a lot more room to play within terms of the 4sq m rule per person and social distancing with beer gardens. Plus you’ve got the fantastic views of the valley here. It’s the perfect place for a beer — as long as it’s not raining,” he said.

● Do you have a favourite beer garden in regional Victoria? Let us know. Email alexander.sinnott @news.com.au