THERE are some new faces behind the bar of the Yorke Hotel, Yorketown. Geoff and Nicolle Atkins are settling in after purchasing the historical venue from Rob and Jackie Beston.
“We took over about two weeks ago and we’ve been blown away with how warm and welcoming everyone has been,” Nicolle said.
“Rob and Jackie were really wonderful in the transition as well, they’ve introduced us to everyone, and had the pub running so well already.
“Of course, we’re also very lucky to have wonderful staff behind us and to have their support is huge. We’re very excited for the future.”
While Nicolle has a background in the health industry and Geoff civil construction, the pair are experienced when it comes to customer service.
“Geoff’s parents have lived at Point Turton for about 35 years so we’ve made plenty of trips to the peninsula on the weekends, and we’d gotten to the point where we wanted a change and we wanted to be closer to them,” Nicolle said.
“We’re ready for a challenge and we think we’ve spent enough time the other side of a bar to know what experiences people want.”
Nicolle said the hotel’s historical connections drew them to the premises, with the couple looking forward to continuing the strong foundations already established.
“We love that all the old publicans have photos on the walls and are just so impressed by the collection of historical photos here,” she said.
“We want to keep all that — it will be the same Yorke Hotel, just with a couple of minor changes.”
The Yorke Hotel’s bar will now be open from noon to 7pm on Sundays, while Happy Hours have been extended on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday to 5.30pm to 6.30pm, and 6pm to 7pm Wednesday and Friday.
“We also have the gaming room, TAB and Keno facilities, and the Liquor Legends Bottle Shop,” Nicolle said.
“The hotel’s wood fire will definitely be the place to be this winter.” Geoff and Nicolle are already part of the hotel’s social club and look forward to further exploring the community.
“People have been so warm and welcoming it already feels like home,” Nicolle said.
To book a table, call 8852 1221.