First built some time in the 19th century, the country pub burnt down in 2003 and didn’t re-open until the following year.
In 2010, it closed permanently and was listed for sale.
Last October, new owner Andrea decided to purchase and renovate the historic hotel.
“I like the area and it was a challenge in itself to renovate it and keep the classic country pub feel,” Andrea said.
“To live and run a business in the same place is the dream.”
But Andrea had some help to get the pub up and running.
She ran an ad asking for help to put the finishing touches on the renovations and clean up the premises. Local company Welsh Industries put up its hand to help, along with other residents eager to see the opening of the only pub in town.
“Some local people have come to do some cleaning and painting,” Andrea said.
“The community really want it back up and running.”
The Railway Hotel is the only commercial business in the small town of Mangalore, with the closest shopping precincts a 10-minute drive down the road in Avenel or Seymour.
“There’s nothing else in the district of Mangalore,” Andrea said.
“So eventually we want to run some community nights like trivia nights, bingo nights, where everyone can participate.”
While it’s just the bar that will be open for now, Andrea said plans for the kitchen were under way.
When it is open, she hopes to serve classic pub meals.
To celebrate the opening, husband and wife outfit Overtime Duo is booked to perform at the pub on Friday night, while acoustic act Three’s a Crowd is set to take to the stage on Saturday.
The Railway Hotel will open at 6pm on Friday and will be open from Monday to Sunday.
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