Fresh look for historic pub

Peter Dean fell in love with the Burrawang Village Hotel in 2007 and immediately had dreams of one day owning the historic pub. 

“I remember walking in and thinking ‘wow, this is amazing’. It had so much potential,” he said. 

Ten years later, the dream has finally come true for Mr Dean. 

Mr Dean has been in the pub game for 12 years and purchased the Royal Hotel in Bowral 18 months ago. 

In November last year, Mr Dean was contacted and asked if he was still interested in the Burrawang pub. 

“I said the pub had a lot of blue sky and a lot of upside,” Mr Dean said. 

Fast-forward four months and Mr Dean and his father-in-law Jamie Couché have started running the pub.

The pub owner said he was drawn to the old character of the hotel. 

“There was something about the view, the beer garden, the warm feel of it,” he said. 

Although Mr Dean has started renovations on the pub, he wants to keep the original charm of the hotel. 

“We ripped the kitchen out and put a whole new one in. The food needs to be fast and spot on,” he said. 

The pub will now serve dinner seven days a week, instead of the prior three nights a week. 

The inside of the pub has had a new lick of paint and a few new artworks adorn the walls. 

The iconic beer garden will also be revamped with new pavers and wet weather shade. 

Mr Dean said the support from Burrawang residents had been overwhelming. 

“We are amazed at the support, I wasn’t expecting such a following straight away,” he said. 

“This is the hub of the village. Whether it’s to meet friends, host book club or have a beer, everyone comes to the pub.”

One patron excited about the changes is previous owner Ed Woolfrey.

 Mr Woolfrey, who owned the pub for 25 years, said it was time for a change.

“They are doing a great job and I am so pleased to see the progression of the pub,” he said. 

One patron excited about the changes is previous owner Ed Woolfrey. 

Mr Woolfrey owned the pub for 25 years said “it was time for a change”.

“They are doing a great job and I am so pleased to see the progression of the pub,” he said. 

“It’s great to see the pub go to the next level and I’m so happy with where it’s at.”