Victoria Hotel Tatura staff members Joe Perri, Ben Hayward, Kristy Cassidy, Peter Warburton, Angel Cathro and Natalie Connally.
Photo by
James Manley
“When you first walk in, it’s got to be a warm feeling.”
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That’s how Natalie Connally wants every customer to feel when they enter the recently refurbished Victoria Hotel in Tatura, which opens on Monday.
She has taken over the pub alongside Peter Warburton, a veteran of the pub business.
Mr Warburton, who has lived in Tatura most of his life since moving to the town at the age of four, has operated pubs since the 1980s when he ran the Merrigum Hotel.
Since then he has operated pubs around the region, including the Cricketers Arms Hotel in Mooroopna, Blue Brick Hotel in Kyabram and the Toolamba pub.
Business partners Peter Warburton and Natalie Connally pictured inside the recently refurbished Victoria Hotel.
Photo by
James Manley
He has also been involved in hotels in Lancefield, St Arnaud and Lakes Entrance.
In 2020, he “lost everything” after the Black Summer Bushfires followed by the COVID-19 pandemic forced him to close his pub for extended periods.
Around four years ago, he met Natalie Connally, previously a social worker, through a friend.
Recently, the opportunity came up to take over the Victoria Hotel as business partners.
With the hotel having been closed for three months, the pair estimate it took the same period to get it up and running again.
“It feels like forever but we’ve finally got there,” Ms Connally said.
Mr Warburton is someone who has never been afraid to take on a challenge.
“My mind’s still active,” he said.
“I never looked at this as being a challenge, this has been an opportunity.”
However, he would not have embarked on this project without Natalie’s support.
With the heritage-listed pub having operated for over 100 years, keeping the pub open for the community has also been something that has motivated the pair.
“It’s a beautiful pub; it really is,” Ms Connally said.
Chef Joe Perri pictured with Natalie Connally in the hotel kitchen.
Photo by
James Manley
The pair are aiming to create a warm, friendly atmosphere that focuses on families.
The menu, prepared by chef Joe Perri, formerly of the Gargarro Café, consists of classic pub dishes such as steaks, seafood and parmigianas as well as pasta dishes such as carbonara.
The pub also offers a pool table and jukebox, while over the summer months the publicans also plan to offer bands and talks with guest speakers.
Initially, the pub will be open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, with this to be reviewed over time. For more information, check out the pub on Facebook.
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