News
14 April, 2021
Three cheers for the re-opening of the Club Hotel, Esk
THE Club Hotel, Esk has recently reopened under new management with well known local Bernie Witham and his fiance Caroline Paull at the helm.
Bernie is well known in the area. He and his family have connections here that date back to the late 1800’s. Bernie has previously worked at the Exchange Hotel in Toogoolawah and he had a fencing contracting and yard building business for a long time, known as Coal Creek Fencing. He has also spent a long time on properties in Western Queensland. His sons, Hugh and Tom, will be working at the hotel from time to time, along with Caroline’s daughter Michaela.
Caroline Paull, originally from Ipswich, had a long and successful nursing career for more than twenty five years working in St Andrew’s theatre and recovery wards. Her father Dr Ron Tilbury, a well known retired orthopaedic surgeon, was highly regarded for his work in the Ipswich region too. Together Bernie and Caroline make a dynamic duo and are a wonderful asset and addition to our vibrant local community.
Bernie said, “It has been a long held dream of mine to own a hotel in the Brisbane Valley. I have always wanted to try to bring back the old style country pub where Mum and Dad can bring their children, have a meal and a drink and relax in the lounge while the children enjoy themselves too.”
“We are set up to host everyone who is drawn to the well loved nearby rail trail - the horse riders, mountain bike riders and the walkers plus our locals and travellers from near and far. With my partner Caroline by my side, she loves meeting people and is helping in all aspects of running the hotel and supporting the community.
“We hope to get the successful Pickers’ Markets going again, and for those wishing to do so they can ring me. We hope to be able to make the hotel a stopover, in the foreseeable future, for those using the rail trail and travellers who need accommodation and the day use of the horse yards.
“We are going to provide bike racks for the rail trail riders. In addition to many great events, we hope to be able to run chainsaw races, a Toyota Landcruiser Ute Competition (maybe with classes like The Best Publican’s Ute, Best Feral, Best Farm and the list goes on). We are also hoping to get car clubs and motorbike clubs to the hotel. The Club Hotel is a comfortable place in a relaxing atmosphere for all ages.”
Many locals will remember the great 2019 cattle branding day held at the hotel where graziers were able to have their cattle brands put on boards supplied by Bernie. This also included the chainsaw races. It is hoped that a repeat of this great event will be held again soon.
Barman Jimmy Wong is well known around town with his friendly attitude, and he is providing quick and friendly service with a smile at the hotel.
Chef Ed “Bradley” has been busy cooking up a storm in the kitchen. He grew up in the local area and has been a chef for thirty six years. Has travelled the world twice cooking and honing his craft. He has all different cuisines on the menu with seniors’ prices ranging from $13 to $15 and no meals are over $29. Sunday Roasts are on offer for $15, as well as the full menu from 12pm to 2pm and 5.30pm to 7.30pm on Sundays. Lunch is available from 12noon to 2pm daily and dinner is 6pm to 8pm Monday to Saturday.
For the best prices in the Brisbane Valley make sure you visit The Club Hotel (Esk) at 225 Ipswich St, Esk. Contact the hotel on 5317 1155 or Bernie Witham directly on 0428 155 883.
