Hotel Victor’s $5 Million Transformation

BY LUCY BREWER

ALH Group’s multi-million-dollar investment in the Hotel Victor has transformed the ageing pub into the epitome of a seaside hotel.

Gone is the faded, jaded and dark interior to let the sun pour into an open, modern setting.

However, it hasn’t pushed the “modernity factor” too far, living up to its motto – “old pub, new look”.

The $5 million transformation took eight months. The internal demolition team took up their sledgehammers on January 10 this year, with tools down and a soft launch in August.

Highlights include a stunning new front bar, which now has a patio/ al fresco area and 360 bar service.

“The refurbishment of the Hotel Victor has reinvigorated the venue and brought new life to the dining, drinking, and gaming areas,” said Corey Farmer, SA State Manager of ALH Hotels.

“By extending the bistro south towards the ocean, the new prime location of the terrace provides an alfresco dining experience with impressive views across to the parklands and waterfront.”

The ‘best seats in the house’ look over spacious Warland Reserve and Granite Island, with windows and doors able to be open and closed to suit the weather.

The interior of the hotel has been inspired by the seaside location. It incorporates blues, copper, and natural stone and timber elements, that Corey said make for an “overall light and relaxed coastal feel.”

“The central bar is a prominent feature of the overall dining and drinking space and is the focal point, providing a hub for patrons,” he said.

For Corey it’s a project close to home. Like many other South Australians, he frequented the area during childhood holidays.

All aspects of the renovation were thoughtfully planned, from the light fixtures to chair selection, with natural light flooding inside the bright and fresh space.

As the hotel’s website says: “It’s modern, unpretentious and comfortable; the perfect place to get together with family and friends for a drink, a meal or to stay a few nights.”

The Hotel Victor’s accommodation offering has also been refreshed, so the venue is now what Corey called, “the complete package.”

The 32 rooms – all with ensuite bathrooms – are located upstairs, some with stunning park and ocean views.

LIVE MUSIC

In planning the best way to reinvigorate the 159-year-old pub, ALH surveyed its patrons. The overwhelming consensus was “more live music”, which now sees local and national acts performing each Friday and Saturday night.

DINING OPTIONS

During the substantial renovations, the bistro and gaming rooms kept functioning, and the Norfolk Cafe stayed open for drinks, coffee and cake.

Hotel chefs tested specials every week to see what was popular with patrons and these now appear on the refreshed menu.

The menu maintains its loyalty to pub classics, as well as focussing on seasonal produce and local ingredients.

Patrons with allergies will be pleased to learn that the pub offers vegan and gluten-free options. So, alongside schnitzels you will now see dishes such as rye toast with roasted pumpkin, smashed avocado, rocket, mushroom, cherry tomatoes, pepita seeds and balsamic glaze.

The kitchen is open, all-day, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Breakfast is offered every day from 8am.

Beers on tap range from mainstream draught to seasonal craft, and there’s always an all-day every day specially priced pint.

Corey said the wine list is an evolving category: “We have access to some incredible wines here in South Australia, and we are keen to showcase these to our customers.”

HISTORY

According to the National Trust, “the first stone house (Victor Harbor House) was built on this site in 1863 as a boarding house for workers engaged with port business.

“Over the years, this building was licensed and extended until in 1961, it was replaced by a new building which was also extended and refurbished in 1992.”

A historic article sourced from Trove reveals that “the present building was erected by the SA Brewing Co in 1964.

“Well-known local identities Roy and Barbara Temple assumed management in 1979 and then with Peter O’Shaughnessy and Bill Green, became owners in 1982.”

Although in the hands of one of Australia’s largest hotel groups, the latest redevelopment shows ALH’s ability to allow each hotel to show its individual character.

PRESENT DAY

What guests see now is a thoughtfully designed refurbishment intended to modernise and revitalise the venue, while ensuring it maintained its relaxed atmosphere.

“We’re hoping the experience at the revitalised Hotel Victor is made memorable by the relaxed seaside setting which is now complemented by a refreshing and cohesive internal refurbishment,” said Corey.

“We will be working on training and developing our team to create memorable moments for our guests. Every pub has a story, and our aim is to bring this to life.

We want to enhance and expand our offers to tie in with our locals.”

It’s a great achievement and the Hotel Victor remains as quintessentially Victor Harbor as the horse-drawn carriage and The Bluff.