IT might be old-fashioned, but it remains an enjoyable place to visit thanks to a modern twist.
Quality and affordable food, cold beer, country ambience and second-to-none service.
When you walk through the doors at The Royal Hotel, hosts Robert and Jo Fisher along with their families and staff will make you feel most welcome.
The Fishers took over the licensee of the venue in 2018 – not long before COVID hit.
Rob has always had a keen interest in food and dining, and at the time of taking the reins, both his adult children were in the hospitality industry.
“My wife is Italian and a good cook and I cook myself, and we have been involved in the local footy for a long period of time, so we had lots of connections to the hotel itself,” he said.
“Just meeting people at the bar and bistro is always good and seeing how they react, we offer something different at the Royal.”
Rob said the menus offered a “little twist” on traditional pub food.
“Our specials reflect that a lot of the time,” he said.
“We have good beer, a wine selection and good food so we fill a niche in Kerang. It’s all about the people.
“We have our older regulars, of course, then younger families as well coming in for a bit of value.”
Rob said as for his signature dish, a good relationship with the local butcher resulted in quality MSA graded, 350g Scotch fillet steak featuring on the menu.
Italian influences were also a stand out, with arancini balls. A classic risotto filling with three cheeses and parsley coated in golden bread crumbs.
Rob said a good portion of items on the menu were house made, including the pub favourite chicken schnitzel and parmigiana.
“If you look at the poster in the bistro, cooking with love provides food for the soul,” he said. “Pubs differ to restaurants so we do as much as we can
“The pub’s been around for a long time, (since 1884). If it survived COVID and survived the floods … it’s been a hard time the past couple of years, but we must be doing something right for the customers.”
Rob said the return of locals and visitors through the doors hadn’t been “instantaneous” but it built up again through December and January.
It’s come at a good time after a partnership between Gannawarra Council and the pub had seen a new outdoor dining area at the front of the pub, offering a grassed area with tables and chairs.
There are potential future plans for shading in summer and gas heaters in winter.
The second-storey balcony area is also taking bookings, as well as the large function room with a full bar and wait service.
Rob acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the staff who had made the experience enjoyable for loyal Royal customers, many who went through the pandemic journey with the Fishers.
“I have worked with them to build up that atmosphere,” he said.
The bar is open seven days a week.
The bistro’s opening hours vary.
Dine-in, take-away and delivery is available.
Drop into The Royal Hotel at 60 Victoria Street, Kerang, Victoria to experience a classic with a modern twist.
