After 15 years [and four days] in charge of the Elephant and Castle Hotel, owners Campbell Gibson and Annette Amerio will pass the baton at the popular Bathurst venue in June.
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Mr Gibson and Ms Amerio sold the venue in early April to Local Hospitality Group [LHG], who also own the Commercial Hotel in Dubbo and Riverina Hotel in Wagga Wagga, with the handover to be complete by June 21.
While sad to leave the venue behind, Mr Gibson said he's immensely proud of what the venue has managed to achieve over the past 15 years.
"When we first acquired the venue in 2006, we immediately decided to change the name from Tattersall's Hotel back to the Elephant and Castle Hotel, which was the original name when it first opened in 1849," Mr Gibson said.
"We made around $400 in our first week as owners, and to have grown it into a $30,000/week business is a testament to the wonderful staff and patrons we've had over the years."
Ms Amerio said they made a decision early on to expand the venue's capabilities as an attractive nightspot, giving rise to a diverse clientele.
"It was the best move for us, as it opened the pub up to such a diverse array of people," she said.
"We've made so many lasting friendships through this pub, and while we're looking forward to the next chapter, it's certainly bittersweet."
Mr Gibson and Ms Amerio's ownership brought a host of exterior and interior changes to the venue, including an enclosed seated area and dancefloor out back [it used to be an uncovered backyard], an in-house sound system and renovated bar and bistro areas.
The venue has also proved to be a vital home for local community groups over the years, namely the Panorama Football Club, CSU's Bathurst Arts and Theatrical Society [BATS] and nightclub events such as Luna, Throne and TakeOver.
"The new owners plan to do more renovations, but they want to keep the atmosphere as it is, which is pleasing to hear," Mr Gibson said.
"They want all the existing staff to stay as well, and from what they've done with their venues in Dubbo and Wagga, it's clear to us they understand the value of country pubs to their community," Ms Amerio added.
Ms Amerio said her and Mr Gibson are planning a move to Brisbane for a well-earned retreat after 15 years running a business involving long hours of management.
"Campbell and I will be at the pub all night on Saturday, June 12 for anyone who would like to catch up before we go, we really want to thank the locals for getting us to where we are," she said.
"When we started here, we made it our mission to ensure everyone felt welcome, because you never truly own a pub; the people help forge its identity," Mr Gibson added.
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Sam Bolt
"I'm not in the business of telling people what to do. I'm much more in the business of describing things, situations and stuff like that and leaving them out there, and you can make up your minds about them." -Nick Cave
"I'm not in the business of telling people what to do. I'm much more in the business of describing things, situations and stuff like that and leaving them out there, and you can make up your minds about them." -Nick Cave
