General News
29 February, 2024
Avoca Hotel to reopen under new management
Twin magic is set to take over The Avoca Hotel, as Brendan and Matthew Veitch prepare for their first week as owners of the local pub. The brothers were born and raised in Avoca, and have always discussed the possibility of going into business with...
Twin magic is set to take over The Avoca Hotel, as Brendan and Matthew Veitch prepare for their first week as owners of the local pub.
The brothers were born and raised in Avoca, and have always discussed the possibility of going into business with each other.
While looking for a new career path after being a tax accountant, Matthew saw The Avoca as a great opportunity to take on that dream.
“I always wanted to run my own business, so I was just looking at businesses in the local area and The Avoca was one of them,” he said
“My brother and I have always spoken about buying a pub or doing something like that, so we finally bit the bullet and took on this opportunity.”
While many siblings would despise the idea of running a business with each other, let alone with a twin, Brendan said Matthew is the perfect partner to head into this new venture.
“We have always had similar values, goals and naturally been interested in the same things,” he said.
“We do get on each others nerves at times, but generally we know what the other one is thinking without having to say anything.
“Having this opportunity to do things our way, be our own bosses and be able to give back to the community really excites us.”
The brothers will take over from Ian Urquhart and Alison Chapman, who have owned The Avoca since 2009.
In that time, the couple have created a stellar reputation for their food, beer and wine list, winning the 2019 3AW Pub of the Year award and earing a spot in the Australia’s Wine List of the Year Hall of Fame.
Brendan said the outgoing owners have been very supportive of the twins, who worked together in a restaurant at the now closed Victoria Hotel in Avoca 17 years ago.
“They have shown us how they run things and told us the essential things we need to do which was very handy for us,” he said.
“They are happy to take our calls if something random pops up or we need some advice so they have been very accommodating.
“We have got some big shoes to fill, but it is something that we are keen to give a crack.”
Brendan said he wants to build off the success of the previous owners by implementing new ideas while keeping the same distinct experience.
“We are hoping to provide a similar experience to before with some little changes in the menu and how we use the space,” he said.
“Unfortunately the beer and wine list won’t be as extensive as usual, but we will look to slowly build it back up once we get a better knowledge of all the beers and wines on offer.
“We are looking to open up the drive through bottle shop again at some stage once we are ready to go.
“We are also looking to use the beer garden a bit more with live music once a month over the warmer months.
“We are going to try a few different things and see what works and see what doesn’t and go from there.”
The Avoca will officially reopen tomorrow on Saturday, March 2 at noon. Brendan said he is thankful for the support so far and is looking forward to his first day as co-owner.
“We have been pretty overwhelmed by the support already, a lot of people have reached out and even just walking down the street a lot of people are wishing us luck,” he said.
“Hopefully we can do a good job for the locals and for the travellers into town.”
