HISTORIC WATERING HOLE FOR MORRIS

MORRIS international chairman Terry Morris has paid $670,000 for a historic pub at Dugandan in the Gold Coast Hinterland.

The Sirromet Wines owner is in partnership in the hotel venture with Morris International CEO Dean Merrell. Morris International’s interests include Sirromet, Carrara Markets and The Holden Driving Centre at Norwell.

Morris bought the 1860’s pub from hoteliers Monroar of Ballina and plans to add a cellar door experience for visitors, while keeping with the existing infrastructure.

“It will be evolution, not revolution,” says Morris.

“This is an iconic pub known for its old-style country charm, great food and cold beer and none of that is going to change. However, we plan to introduce wine tastings and other things for regular customers and tourists, building on the success of cellar door at Sirromet’s Mount Cotton winery.”

Morris says the pub will add another dimension to the Scenic Rim wine trail under the newly-formed Dugandan Hotel and Winery Pty Ltd. Merrell will oversee the daily running of the pub a general manager and says plans are afoot for an outdoor dining area, introducing live music and possibly holding markets on weekends.

“We will speak to locals in the area and regular customers and listen to their suggestions about what changes or improvements they would like. Our aim is to enhance the hotel’s position as a Scenic Rim attraction,” says Merrell.

The hotel features a public bar and indoor dining area and kitchen, pool table, video games, and four poker machines.

Existing Club Sirromet members will also be eligible for benefits and discounts at the hotel. Sirromet has won six gold medals overseas in the past two months in wine competitions in France, Portugal, China,
and Luxemburg.