October 4, 2013
Almost a year’s worth of hard work will see its first rewards this weekend when extensively renovated Wondai Hotel and Cellars throws its doors open to the public.
The historic 110-year-old building was purchased by Michael Beohm, his wife Jessica and her mother Eleanor Bellgrove in November last year and since then has been undergoing major alterations.
The trio had originally hoped to have part of the building open to the public by Easter this year.
But as work progressed, they made several “surprise” discoveries (like many renovators of historic old buildings do) that threw their original schedule out the window.
But this weekend they’ll be opening up the downstairs area for business as a combined hotel, cellar door, restaurant and cafe. Keen members of the public will be very welcome to come inside for a good sticky-beak.
The renovated hotel features a modern bar and a large indoor cafe and restaurant area decorated in 1930s style.
Outside, the trio have installed new shaded wooden balcony decks on two levels with relaxed table and chair seating, as well as a modern children’s play area that will allow parents to keep a watchful eye on their offspring from either deck while they enjoy the hotel’s hospitality.
And in a few months the building will be expanding again when the upstairs area opens as a bed and breakfast, which will occur as soon as renovation work on the second story has been completed.
Today Michael told southburnett.com.au that virtually all the materials and services used in the Hotel’s renovations has come from South Burnett suppliers and trades people.
“About the only thing we didn’t source locally was our beer tap system, and that’s only because there isn’t a local supplier for them.”
He’s particularly proud of the hotel’s refrigeration, which dispenses “the coldest beer in the South Burnett” at minus 2.8 degrees.
But the business also stocks 35 different wines – including South Burnett wines from Kingsley Grove and locally sourced Yolo wines – and its newly-installed restaurant kitchen will be offering everything from coffee and cake up to full gourmet meals, with most food sourced with a 100km radius of the premises.
The hotel will be unveiling their new Yolo wine label at the Wondai Art Gallery on Friday night at the official launch of the South Burnett And Cherbourg On Show long weekend.
And on Saturday at noon, South Burnett Mayor Wayne Kratzmann will be officially opening the hotel.
To celebrate the occasion, The Wondai Hotel and Cellars will be hosting live entertainment on Saturday and Sunday and offering traditional British roast lunches on both days too – $12.50 for a roast or $15.50 for a roast and dessert.
- Related article: Facelift For A Grand Old Pub
