Boorowa Hotel Restaurant

Our Story

Boorowa Hotel Restaurant

1) Boorowa: Boorowa was settled by the Irish from Tipperary under the leadership of Ned Ryan and Roger Corcoran. It is a twinning city with Clonoulty in Ireland. It is known as one of the most Irish Catholic towns in Australia. One well known Scottish Nun based in Sydney in the early 1900’s was asked, “Had she ever been to Ireland?” to which she replied, “No, but I have been to Boorowa!” In the 1860s when gold was found in the area, Boorowa became infamous as part of the area where the bushrangers - Frank Christie known as 'Darkie' Gardiner, Ben Hall, Johnny Gilbert, John Dunn and John O'Malley - used the local roads and rampaged across an area from Young (Lambing Flats) to Jugiong, Collector, Marulan and Gundagai. There is a story of how Ben Hall's gang held up Webb & Crego's Store in Boorowa and stole some clothes so they could update their outfits. Boorowa is known for producing some of the finest wool in Australia, grows great cattle, Canola, wheat, Oats and Barley. Some of the finest farming studs in Australia come from this locality. It is also the home of the famed Australian Horse stud ‘New Haven Park.’ Daily, over 4,000 vehicles pass through Boorowa to Sydney, Canberra, South Coast, Melbourne and Adelaide making its central location sought after. Following amalgamation of Harden, Young and Boorowa into the ‘Hilltops Region,’ there is significant excitement on many levels. Canberra airport is now taking direct flights from New Zealand, China and other prime tourist feeders. This has partly been on hold since Covid-19. The Australian research institute of C.S.I.R.O. have made a $350 million investment here in Boorowa and have purchased a significant tract of land on the Boorowa Township boundary and will use this as their Australian center of business. This will add significant growth to Boorowa, this commenced June 2019 and has added up to twenty local jobs increasing the requirements of schooling and general business in Boorowa. There is likely to be revolving personal of approximately 40 persons per month. Currently C.S.I.R.O are looking for further land investment in the area. We regularly host guests of the CSIRO here at the Boorowa Hotel The Boorowa Hotel: The Boorowa Hotel locally known as the 'Top Pub,' has a history in country NSW that dates back to it's beginnings as the 'Royal Standard Hotel' in 1880. Built by Michael O’Dwyer the hotel began life as a single level hotel and in 1905 a second story was added to include a “Gentleman’s Lounge and a Dining facility!” In 1924 there were two wings added to the premises, one acted as further accommodation and the other became a larger kitchen with ablution block and specific laundry facilities In 1954 it was renamed the 'Boorowa Hotel,' and now takes pride of place on Boorowa’s main street Marsden Street. The hotel formerly a Carlton pub with Reschs on tap now boasts 11different draught beers including the legendry Guinness. Of course Guinness certainly is well received here due to Boorowa’s significant Irish connection. Accommodation: The Boorowa Hotel is a ‘Family Hotel’ and has 13 rooms for accommodation, the room configuration allows us to host up to 40 guests. This was the hallmark of all the old hotels, providing a meal and a warm bed for the night for all travelers. From its origins in 1880 there are many tales of wearisome travelers enjoying the rest and comfort of the Royal Standard and taking enjoyment of a most well received meal! Today we welcome many biker groups, university study groups, tourists, travelers and contractors alike. With modern technology we have developed a significant online presence, so much so that we now have guests deciding to stay with us rather than stay in Canberra! They are an hour closer and the accommodation fare is more than half the price of a Canberra stop, and of course they enjoy the romance of this wonderful historic hotel! The Boorowa Hotel is rated by trip Advisor as the #1 place to stay in Boorowa. The hotel owners stay in a self contained flat on the premises that includes an ensuite, a full kitchen, bedroom and lounge area. The standout feature of the hotel is the wrap around veranda that provides service to the upper level outside accommodation units. Without this veranda feature, the hotel would lose its character and significant income vital for financial viability. The verandah is wider than most and also evidences a 2 degree drop from internal to exterior balustrade to aid drainage! As the photo shows, the filigree wrought iron balustrade is a stunning attribute. The Boorowa Hotel was named “Pub of the Month” for September 2020 in the ‘Australian Motorcyclist,’ there are many pubs in Australia, but only 12 months in a year! We feel very privileged to receive this unexpected acknowledgment. 2)The Shamrock Café: The Shamrock Café is at the front of the hotel and provides an ‘All Day Breakfast’ from 8am until 3pm. We sell Piazza Doro coffee and daily breakfast and lunch combo’s. The name ‘Shamrock’ was given to the Café in memory of a former Boorowa Hotel called the ‘Shamrock,’ unfortunately like many hotels of its day, it was burnt to the ground! During the evenings groups such as the Rotary Club, Lions, the Boorowa Education Foundation, Boorowa Show Committee, Boorowa Business Chamber and the Boorowa Racing Club all use the space as a meeting facility. It is also used as a conference facility by many locals, companies and business groups visiting Boorowa. It is also used to cater for birthday celebrations, group dinners and on occasions an overflow from the Boorowa restaurant. Since the Boorowa Hotels inception in 1880, nothing has changed in the manner this premises services the communities meeting requirements. The Shamrock Café set for the Wednesday night Rotary Dinner meeting. 3) The Boorowa Hotel Restaurant: In the hotel proper there is the Boorowa Restaurant rated by trip advisor as #2 out of #9 eateries in Boorowa, the place that takes #1 is actually a day café and does not provide meals or ‘Finer Dining’ as the Boorowa Hotel restaurant is known for. Restaurant Guru awarded the Boorowa Hotel as the #1 Restaurant in 2019, 2020 and 2021. This is a testament to having three chef`s preparing what is considered a large and varied menu for a country hotel In this restaurant area we have had two weddings and numerous other functions , at times we have provided quality meals for up to sixty guests. Our main market is from Canberra although we seem to now be the place that groups like to meet when travelling from different locations. Tables set for a Ladies Day Celebration! 4) The Bars; The Boorowa Hotel has a bar area that is sectioned up into three distinct zones. There is the main bar, a much smaller bar with an open fire and a third bar area. Each provide a real intimate atmosphere, the legendary open fire throws so much heat! Three locals discuss the day’s events with humorous banter! 5) There are three main events during the year; • Woolfest; Woolfest is celebrated over the long weekend at the beginning of October and attracts approximately 17,000 visitors to the town. It is a three day program with guests arriving at the hotel on Friday evening to enjoy and Irish Band, Saturday morning there is the ‘Quick Shear,’ where Australia’s finest shearers compete for large prize money, this event finishes at lunch time. After lunch, visitors stroll to the town park and enjoy a Rodeo that runs until the early evening. Up bright and early the next morning see’s the whole town closed off from traffic and there are stalls and many activities that keep visitors busy until the main event, the parade and ‘The Running of the Sheep!’ “The Running of the Sheep!” • Boorowa Royal Show; The show began in 1863 / 1864 and is celebrated on the first weekend in March, with the Friday being the day for judging sheep, cattle, doges etc and of course the vegetables, jams and even the cakes that have been especially baked! There is a large shearing competition and Horse events that bring participants from all over New South Wales. Of course there is also ‘Side Show Alley’ for all the families entertainment! The Boorowa Hotel runs the Show Bar and uses funds produced here to support future shows. • Boorowa Picnic Races; The Boorowa Picnic Race meeting is one of the last country racing events that allows participants to bring alcohol onto the race course. It is known for its family atmosphere and many former residents use this event to meet and spend quality family time together and enjoy the Race meeting! The Boorowa Hotel runs the Picnic Races Bar and like the Boorowa Show uses the funds to support the ongoing race events. This is perhaps the most productive weekend for the hotel. Website and Face Book: The Boorowa Hotel has its own website currently being upgraded; boorowahotel.com.au and also features two facebook pages. The main Face book page is the ‘collar and tie’ version where hotel exclusive and formal items are placed, this FB page is linked to the website. The second Face Book page is more of a fun page where we can appeal to the humorous and slightly adventurous visitors and interact more with the locals!

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