Old girl is looking for fun

ENTERTAINMENT is a relatively recent addition to the Yarra Glen Hotel’s menu, but, along with great food, an excellent bar and a family-friendly approach, it’s proving a popular drawcard with locals and visitors.
The hotel, built in 1888 and National Trust Classified, has been the centrepiece of the town for more than 120 years.
As a meeting place for the locals, and a destination for tourists, it was given a new lease on life in 2007 when actors Alison Whyte and Fred Whitlock and business partner Nat Presutto put their own stamp on what they fondly call “the old girl”.
The décor was given a sensitive but fun update, the bistro moved to modern Australian home-cooked meals and ‘play’ was added to the hotel’s ‘eat, drink, sleep’ mission statement.
Play means live music and bingo, trivia and movie nights.
The hotel has free live entertainment every Thursday night from 7.30pm and on Sundays from 3pm.
Regulars include Wilbur Wilde, Bob Starkey (Sky Hooks), Phil Manning (Chain), Geoff Achison, and Ray Tosti (Hunters and Collectors).
INXS tribute band Inxsive will perform on Sunday 28 February with the U2 Tribute Band booked for 28 March.
Rock/Blues singer Bo Jenkins will perform on Thursday 18 March and the Tracy Bartram Band will appear at the end of April.
First up, however, are Paul Woseen (Screaming Jets) on Thursday 18 February and The Detonators on Sunday 21 February.
The new sun deck is a fabulous place to enjoy the bands – sing along or dance along in the fresh air, when the weather is fine. Tuesday nights alternate each week with bingo, trivia or twilight movies on the lawns.
The hotel serves lunch and dinner every day with the kitchen open from noon right through to dinner on weekends and public holidays.
There is an extensive a la carte menu to choose from as well as a specials board and share platters.
Seniors lunches for $16 are available from Monday to Friday and kids’ tucker boxes, offering great value at $7 for a healthy main, a jelly and a drink, are available every day.
Parents can order with confidence knowing the kids’ meals are prepared and cooked to the same standard as the main menu.
The menus change often to encourage the regulars to be a little adventurous (and to keep the chefs’ amused, we’re told!).
The Yarra Glen Hotel is a great place to socialise with friends and family, get together to celebrate a special occasion, or just take time out from a busy week for a light meal or coffee break the kitchen is producing fresh cookies every day as well.
To make a lunch or dinner booking, or for details of up-coming live entertainment, phone the hotel on 9730 1230 or visit www.yarravalleygrand.com.au.