Moyhu Hotel: Country Pub at Heart of Community
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Just a short drive from Wangaratta, Moyhu is not a large township, but its community spirit and pride are unmistakable. The Moyhu Hotel is a classic old-style country pub and loved meeting spot for locals and visitors alike. Melissa and her husband Glen, the heart and soul of the establishment, have turned a spontaneous idea into a thriving hub of the town.
“When I came home from work about nine years ago, my husband told me he had made an offer on the Moyhu Hotel. At first, I was shocked, then I saw the potential it had to become something special for our community,” Melissa recalls. The hotel and pub had been closed for several months, the purchase provided an opportunity to revive the local establishment and create a welcoming space for everyone.
With a background in hospitality and a passion for local produce, Melissa and Glen embarked on a journey to bring the pub back to life. “The pub was initially derelict, and we undertook a 3.5-week renovation to reopen it,” she explains. The doors of the Moyhu Hotel officially reopened on November 6, 2016. Today, the Moyhu Hotel is known for its welcoming atmosphere, delicious food, and its role as a local gathering place.
The establishment features eight rooms with a bustling kitchen designed by Glen. “He worked in the kitchen for the first two years, developing our menu and serving the community,” Melissa notes. Their dedication to quality and local produce has earned them a loyal customer base, especially among the locals who frequent the hotel for its famed Parma nights on Wednesdays.
However, the journey hasn’t been without challenges. From the devastating bushfires to the COVID-19 pandemic, Melissa and her team have faced significant hurdles. “The bushfires nearly ended us. Trade completely halted, and it was a very scary time,” Melissa recalls. Just as they began to recover, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. “We adapted quickly, offering takeaway meals, and maintaining strict safety protocols. This resilience helped us build a stronger customer base post-pandemic.”
Melissa and Glen take great pride in employing local children and watching them grow. "Since reopening we’ve had 100% local staff and have employed many local kids as soon as they were of legal working age. It’s amazing to see their development and the impact we’ve had on their lives,” she shares. This commitment to the community extends beyond the hotel and pub and contributes to the positive growth of Moyhu.
Looking forward, Melissa is excited about expanding their offerings and hosting more events. “We plan to utilise our outdoor space more as the weather warms up and look forward to hosting intimate music festivals and themed nights,” she says. The community’s support has been vital, Melissa and Glen are eager to continue providing a welcoming space for both locals and visitors.
Melissa’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is candid and cautionary: “Don’t do it,” she says with a laugh, before expanding, “It’s certainly been one of the most challenging things we’ve done, but also the most rewarding. It’s a steep learning curve. The biggest thing is to trust yourself and not listen to all the feedback you get, whether it’s negative or positive. You’ve got to be able to look forward and pave your own path.”
The Moyhu Hotel remains a cornerstone of local heritage and community spirit, thanks to Melissa and Glen’s dedication and passion. Their journey of transformation and resilience continues to inspire others to embrace opportunities and contribute positively to their communities.
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