23/08/2022
New Owners Poised to Take Over the Operations at Historic Tarana Hotel
After purchasing the Tarana Hotel earlier this year, Byram and Deborah Johnston will take control of the business from November.
As custodians of the hotel for the last six years, Mark and Karen hand over a strong and exciting business on which to build.
“We thank Mark and Kaz for all their help as we transition the business and we look forward to continuing their legacy and building on the strong relationship they have developed with both the local community and weekend visitors.”
The new owners’ initial focus will be on a seamless handover of the kitchen. To this end they announce the appointment of Mel Clear as chef and general manager of the daily operations.
“Mel is an accomplished chef who is well-known in the local community and who shares our vision for enhancing the food and beverage experience at the hotel. She will work with us to update the kitchen facilities and create a menu that showcases local produce and wine, while keeping the focus squarely on simple but quality pub-food,” Byram said.
Tarana is the epicentre of local fresh produce, vineyards, breweries and distilleries.
“I want to tap into our local produce which is top quality and deserves to be showcased. It can take a simple menu to whole new level of taste,” Mel said.
The hotel prides itself on loyal, friendly front of house staff and the new guard will continue to support the local community in this way.
Details of the launch events will be posted on the website and page as they come to hand.
Our Vision for the Future:
“Deb and I recently embarked on a road trip through NSW and Queensland. It was a holiday which very quickly turned into a fact finding pub crawl across two states. What we discovered in the dozens of outback pubs we visited was, above all, patrons want authenticity. The historic pubs of the Outback owe their continuing popularity on retaining the charm and uniqueness of a bygone era while staying current where its important. Offering an up-to-date food and beverage menu in a friendly, laid-back setting is what attracted us to these venues and is something we wish to achieve with our own historically significant pub, ”Byram said.
“Our first priorities will include work to the kitchen, installation of an all-weather outdoor dining area and enhancement of the beer garden.
We have longer term plans to offer the hotel as a special event venue and we plan to introduce more live music and support local artist of all kinds.”
Tarana is at the centre of the wonderful vibrant area bordered by Lithgow, Bathurst and Oberon. It is a tiny village with historical significance that punches well above its weight in terms of ambience.
Apart from the hotel, Tarana boasts a café and a soon to be open, general store and providore.
At the same time as purchasing the pub, Byram and Deborah also purchased the café opposite. Together with the café business owner, Anna Snow, and with the help of local tradespeople, they have now breathed new life into what was once the old butcher’s shop, with plans to open a village store to compliment both the café and the hotel.
This will be a tremendous bonus for the village, locals and visitors adding to the buzz of the village which is particularly vibrant on the fourth Sunday of the month when the farmers market comes to the fire shed.
Watch in coming weeks as Tarana welcomes “The Butchers Hook General Store and Providore” which will sell everyday items, local produce and homewares.
“As owners we are always open to community feedback and ideas. We see Tarana as so much more than just a village. With its historic railway, café and pub it is the epicentre of broader local community and a place to gather and connect with people in a friendly and welcoming environment.”
For locals and visitors alike, Tarana is truly a destination.
