NOTHING SHORT of spectacular” was the way one patron described the $4 million renovations of the Beerwah Hotel, when they were opened recently by Caloundra MP, Mark McArdle.
The Gazzard family from right: Rick and Kerri and son-in-law Geoff and daughter, Sammy
And there’s no denying the spacious flow of the interior from public bar through to lounge, restaurant and outside barbecue and gazebo area. And not forgetting the drive- through bottle shop. Owner Rick Gazzard says very careful attention was paid to the use of materials and there is extensive use of natural timbers, feature rock walls and paving.
Despite the complete face-lift the Beerwah Hotel has not lost any of its character. “We wanted to stay in touch with our locals”, says Rick. There’s an airy, modern club feel, and as Rick adds, “we’ve kept the spaces for live entertainment and the pool tables for the young ones. We’ve also created a new Queensland outdoors feel for those who just want to sit, relax and have a drink.“
Warm timber and soft colours define the spacious new bar area
One aspect of the Hotel that hasn’t changed are the stunning bistro skills of head chef Trav Meredith. Trav has been with the Beerwah Hotel for eight years, seven of those as head chef. Trav’s spacious kitchen is always busy with a variety of gourmet dishes. Ask Trav for his own favourite and he says without hesitation, “rib on the bone with chilli butter”.
Before the renovations, Trav’s kitchen catered for 95 diners. He can now serve 280 people in comfort around the attractive central bistro bar area, and out into the spacious courtyard and gazebo.
The Gazzards are a family of hoteliers. Apart from Rick and wife Kerri, there’s daughter Sammy who runs the Palmwoods Hotel and son, Tim who is also a partner in the business.
Son-in-law Geoff Morgan is the manager of the Beerwah Hotel and a third generation family member in the hotel business. “We have 52 staff here now”, says Geoff “and we’ve been working hard to make sure that everything runs smoothly, particularly for the locals who give us great support.”
So, if you’re looking for a meal, a quiet drink or a flutter on the pokies, the Beerwah Hotel is “nothing short of spectacular”.
The Beerwah Hotel is open Sunday- Wednesday 10am – 10pm,
Thursday, Friday 10am – midnight and 10am – 1am on Saturdays.
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