#john pascoe fawkner

In praise of the pub

The Gordon Hotel, Portland, Victoria was built by the Henty family as the Commercial Inn in 1842. The timber, which was pit sawn, was brought from Tasmania, whilst the doors were of European cedar. The hotel was rebuilt as the Gordon Hotel in 1890. 

By Ken Schapel

he charm of the Australian pub — distinguished from the hotel — lies in its simplicity. No criticism can divest it of that.

The pub…

We were at Yallambie and wondering where to go. “What about carols?” said my good lady. “She lives in Geelong. That’s too far to travel on Christmas Eve.” “Not Carol’s.  I mean carols. The sort you sing.” “Oh, I see. Then I suppose Noel’s is out of the question.” It’s an unlikely story but Christmas carols in Yallambie usually means a bit of travelling. The only church, the Anglican Church of the…