Pakenham hotelier Brendan Theodore behind the bar at the landmark watering hole where major
By Paul Dunlop
ICONIC waterhole Pakenham Hotel is about to have a major facelift.
The historic pub, a favourite meeting place for locals, will undergo significant renovations in a bid to further emphasise its standing as a town and regional landmark.
The hotel, also known fondly as Purvies in honour of longtime former owners, was built in the 1920s.
Cardinia Shire Council last week gave the nod to a redevelopment that owner Brendan Theobald said would give the hotel broader appeal.
“It’s a great pub and Pakenham is a great area and we just want to change with the times,” Mr Theobald said.
Poker machines have been ruled out of the revamp, but alfresco dining and upgraded drinking areas are a key focus.
Mr Theobald said the makeover would add a fresh appeal to the pub, the only one in the central business district.
New dining space, including outdoor eating and rejuvenated bar and beer garden areas are all on the cards.
The renovation will also include relocating the bottle shop alongside the train line and building a 38space car park.
“We don’t have any intention to install poker machines,” Mr Theobald said.
“We are the only pub in Pakenham without poker machines and that isn’t about to change.
“The focus will be good food and bevs, a place to catch up with friends over coffee or a glass of wine.”
Cardinia Shire councillors said the redevelopment was exciting for Pakenham.
“This is a historic building, 80 years old,” Councillor Graeme Legge said.
“It is a building of regional significance and was the town’s largest building for a long time.
“The alterations proposed are sympathetic to the original. This move for change is rather exciting.”
The renovation will more than double the size of the bistro and breathe new life into other areas of the Spanishstyled building.
Plans include:
EXTENDING the bistro to include an outdoor decking, increasing seating capacity by 80 seats;
RELOCATING the bottle shop alongside the train line;
MODIFYING the beer garden and
BUILDING a 38space car park.
Mr Theobald and John O’Halloran took over the hotel late last year from Bryan and Antoinette Cunningham.
Councillors’ approval of the redevelopment was unanimous.
Councillor Brett Owen said the Main Street hotel was a Pakenham icon.
“There is no doubt about that,” he said.
