Bakery Hill’s renowned 1970s watering-hole Munster Arms is one step closer to being revived to its former glory.
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An application to secure a liquor licence for the site was recently submitted to the City of Ballarat and is awaiting approval. The 1862 building at 10 Victoria Street is one of Ballarat’s most iconic hotels and is undergoing revamp with a historic twist. If all goes to plan, the venue will be named ‘Munster Arms’ once again by its new owners.
The hotel has had a colourful and electric history of owners and name changes over the years from the Black Rhino to most recently the Battler’s Tavern.
Call it fate, but when veteran cafe and pub owners Lyn and Rob Brooke saw the former Battler’s Tavern in Victoria Street up for sale they were overcome by a feeling of nostalgia for the past.
“We used to go to Munster Arms all the time when we were young and we have so many wonderful memories there,” Ms Brooke said. “It was an absolute corker of a pub once upon a time.”
They followed their instincts and purchased the pub. Now, they are building their dream venue with hopes of opening its doors in August. The couple have run pubs and cafes all over Victoria for the past 40 years.
Most recently, they ran the Red Bird Cafe Deli in Howiit Street. Their vision for the 1800s building is to reopen it as a restaurant and pub with alfresco dining. The building has four split levels and each will have their own theme including a Parisian inspired dining area at the rear of the building.
The couple were drawn to the location of building which sits just metres away from the famous meeting of miners during the Eureka Stockade.
“Ballarat East has a wonderful community and it is part of the fabric of Ballarat,” she said.
Mr Brooke said the menu will be wholesome food with a loving twist.
“It will hearty meals, contemporary cuisine,” he said. “Lyn is an amazing cook. She finds it hard to leave recipes alone. She loves her herbs and spices so it will be a really unique menu made with love by Lyn.”
The venue will able to seat 100 people.
The Brookes hope to open the doors to their new pub in August.
The liquor license permit application will go before councillors at meeting in the coming weeks.
Anyone who had any questions about the new venue can contact Mr Brooke directly in writing at PO BOX 117 Wendouree.