Interesting brewpub situated in a historic hotel. Not a fancy place but the staff is very friendly. They have 5 craft beers on tap as well as bottles of CUB offerings for the locals. They offer a sampler tray of their beers if you are undecided. When I was there they were about to release an Octoberfest beer. They also have bottles for takeaway. The beers are good if not great, with a couple of beers having won a few regional awards. They have a nice pub menu if you wish to eat. There is also a patio if the weather is good to relax at. Check it out if you are ever in the area.

Food is a touch better than your average pub. I had the French Onion soup which was nice enough. Tortellini pasta was a bit bland. The saving grace were the freindly staff and log fire in each of the cozy small bistro rooms. Tooborac Lager, Pale & Amber were the beers on tap. All a bit similar, thin, low on carbonation and the quality of the beer seems a bit ordinary. Beer seems to fit the CUB style (Pride of Ringwood hops), perhaps this caters to the locals. It would be nice if they served a Stout or darker beer, to compliment the open fires. Arrived just before 2pm, but they took our orders (always a risk if the kitchen closes at 2pm in some pubs). I suggest sticking to the hearty meals such as the steak or parma. A friend enoyed the sticky date pudding. Food and beer were also well priced. Playground and big grassy field were also a plus. The brewery had a nice granite table. This feel lends itself to the surrounding beautiful granite bouldered hills of the area, towards Lancefield. Probably wouldn’t make a special trip to this pub like we did, but still worth the visit to take in the countryside or if your going to Echuca. I hope this place survives, but would need to improve for my return. I’d probably stick with the local wineries, assuming they have meals.

Historical pubs in small country towns like this are a very important part of Australia’s cultural heritage. A meeting place for the local community where you can be guaranteed of a honestly priced beer and meal. These pubs are nearly always very well entrenched with CUB (as are the locals) so it comes as a small surprise that this pub is moving into brew pub territory. 4 beers are currently available and I think all are bottled as well. Quality is a bit hit and miss but still worth a look at. Didn’t eat in but apparently the rabbit pie is very good. Don’t make a special effort but well worth calling in if in the area.