Welcome to The Victoria Hotel, Woodend Magazine. The Victoria Hotel is Woodend's oldest pub run by Emily Blades and Carl Middleton and along with their amazing team, offer a destination rich in international hospitality experience for delivering high-quality functions, coupled with regionally indulgent food, wines and craft beers and all delivered with love and an exceptional country vibe. Now launching, their very own Pub Truck which will come to your paddock for your next function. Be a local lover. Visit thevictoriawoodend.com.au
Victor
The
MAGAZINE
ISSUE
ia
1 - OCTOBER 2020
Regional Indulgence. Community Feel.
International Function Experience.
BOOK YOUR NEXT
FUNCTION WITH US
ROOMS FOR ANY
OCCASION
THE ROCK AND
WOMBAT BAR
ORDER ONLINE
THE VICTORA BOX
OUR BOTTLE SHOP
WE’LL COME TO YOU
Our Pub
In Your
Paddock
ThePubTruck.com.au
Slow-cooked beef brisket, creamy mashed potatoes, winter vegetables, grain mustard sauce
thevictoriawoodend.com.au
Welcome
TO THE VICTORIA HOTEL
“Woodend’s Oldest Pub”
Macedon Ranges ‘Hassle-Free’
Functions Venue
CONTENTS
Welcome To The Victoria Hotel
Meet The Publicans
The Heart Of Our Community
Rooms For Any Occasion
We Love Our Pub Dogs
Fabulous Food & Drinks
Our Bottle Shop
Our Takeaway
The Victoria Box
The Pub Truck
Getting Hitched
Here’s Cheers
Business Bonding
Community Get-Togethers
FREE Recipe
How To Book
A Function With Us
Our Winery Picks
The History Of Our Hotel
Follow Us On Socials
02
03
04
06
09
10
20
21
22
24
28
32
36
40
44
46
49
50
52
The Victoria Hotel is a mix of rustic and modern,
coupled with sophisticated food and beverage
offered at affordable prices. This versatile venue
caters for everything from community events
to conferences effortlessly, with a side dish of
fun and elegance that you don’t expect to find
in a typical country pub. So let us surprise and
delight you with our ‘we’ll make it happen’
attitude – you can trust us to deliver on what we
promise...and then some.
Visit our newly-renovated front bar, our familyfriendly
cosy bistro, the relaxing dog-friendly
sunny courtyard, our private dining Thorburn
Room and our upstairs entertainment venue with
a view; aptly named The Mountain View Room.
The Victoria Hotel has been operating since
1861, and with a 2019 makeover and under new
management, let’s create some new memories
that will live on in the history of magnificent
Woodend. This is your local venue – come and
enjoy it for your next function.
Simply complete our Functions Enquiry Form and
email us at events@thevictoriawoodend.com.au
and we will design something memorable for
you and your guests.
The Victoria Hotel, Woodend
Open 7 days a week, 11.30am til late
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The
Publicans
Meet The Victoria’s publicans, co-owners
Emily Blades and Carl Middleton.
Head Chef Carl, formerly Executive Chef
at the Hilton Sydney and Lilianfels Resort
& Spa in the Blue Mountains, works
hard to find the freshest ingredients and
local produce. His varied menu features
delicious choices for all tastes and dietary
requirements.
Business & Events Manager Emily is happiest
when others are happy. She freely shares
her time and local know-how – even her
home-grown produce with the kitchen –
to enrich your visit. Emily is also on-hand
to talk about hosting your wedding, party
or corporate event at The Victoria, and
how she can help to
make it effortlessly
memorable. n
thevictoriawoodend.com.au
victoriahotelwoodend
The Victoria Hotel, Woodend
The Victoria Hotel, Woodend
thevictoriawoodend
thevictoriawoodend.com.au |
3
T he Heart of
Our Community
OUR TEAM ARE AMAZING!
We’d love you to meet them and say hi next time you are in
Halim
Cameron
Harry
Ben, Tom, Tristan, Allana
Vicki
Lesley
Beth
Hayden
Tracey
Sarah
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Maggie
Molly
Jess
Zoe
Jo
Jamie
Nicole
Rachel
Lily
Mel ‘Miss Moneypenny’
Rachael
Sarah, Julia
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5
ROOMS FOR
Any
Occasion
Pick The Victoria for your next celebration. Its five flexible spaces can be fitted out
to suit your needs exactly, and a small, dedicated events team is standing by to handle
the details, so you can relax and enjoy your event.
We will work with you to create the right food and drinks menu for your particular function,
be it a sit-down multi-course feast, buffet, platters or a cocktail party. We want you to
arrive on the day and not have to worry about a thing – effortless on your part!
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Mountain View Room
The Victoria’s large upstairs function area
features the rare offering of both an indoor
and a covered outdoor space. A private wraparound
laceworked balcony is furnished with
tables and chairs, wine barrels for leaning, and
couches. From all vantages guests can soak up
magnificent views out to Mount Macedon and
over the Woodend township. Inside, the timberpanelled
room can be set to accommodate up
to 150 people standing, or up to 90 people
as a seated dinner. The room has an open
fire, its own bar and bathrooms. It’s brilliant
for weddings, parties, music performances,
conferences, meetings and training days.
Thorburn Room
Downstairs private dining room is a discreet,
comfortable space, perfect for small birthday
parties, anniversaries and group get togethers.
The perfect room for a meeting, workshop,
small conference or focus groups.
Room seats 16 people (maximum).
The Bistro
The Victoria’s full-service main dining room’s
soaring self-supporting timber ceiling opens
up to the skies with a double-sided open fire.
Seating 100, or 300 for a cocktail party, you
can hire this space exclusively for your event.
This gives you private access to the blue-stone
courtyard for pre and/or post drinks which
adjoins to the dining room via two sets of
double french doors.
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7
The Rock and Wombat Bar
Our newly-renovated Front Bar can be hired out
exclusively for your next social get together. Our
famous local bar works perfectly for any casual
event, product launches, cocktail-style birthday
celebrations.
The Front Bar is very versatile:
Cocktail style up to 90 people
Seated dinner and drinks, 35 people
Courtyard
Enjoy the private bluestone walled outdoor
courtyard, shaded in the summer with the
ornamental pear and with a stunning crimson
show in Autumn. Dressed with festoon lighting
it’s a gorgeous space to enjoy a few cocktails with
friends and some of our freshly made pizzas
handed around or a selection of canapes.
Seating for approximately 40 people and
maximum capacity of 65. Offering a wet
weather option – The Rock and Wombat Bar.
Room Capacity Guide
Rooms
Room Hire
Exclusive
Area Theatre Style U Shape Board Room Class Room Banquet Cocktail
MOUNTAIN
VIEW
$300 101.5m 2 120 30 30
8 tables
48
100 175
THE ROCK &
WOMBAT BAR
$200 78.33 20
Casual
seating
90
BISTRO $990 118.5 120 122 295
THORBURN
ROOM
16 pax or
$250 37.1 25
10 pax with
overhead 16 30
projector
COURTYARD $200 57.6 65
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We love pub d ogs!
#PUBDOGSWOODEND
Bring your BFF & dine in
the courtyard together.
FABULOUS
Food
& Drinks
Slow cooked beef casserole, grilled vegetables, red wine sauce
To book your next event email events@thevictoriawoodend.com.au to enquire about date availability
and booking confirmations. All prices include GST. Please advise of any dietary requirements.
To confirm your event a deposit will need to be paid to secure the date and booking.
The Victoria Hotel is proud to support local and state food producers. We also actively recycle our leftover food waste
back to local farm animals.
10 | thevictoriawoodend.com.au
FOOD PACKAGES
Antipasto platter filled with house-made smoked salmon, home-made dips, charcuterie, local cheese
and condiments.
OPTION 1 - BREAKFAST
$25 PER PERSON
For the table
Muesli & yoghurt shots
Cut fruits
Orange and apple juice
Choose one of the following
main courses
Eggs Benedict, smoked ham, English muffin,
poached eggs, hollandaise sauce
Full English Breakfast, sausage, bacon,
scrambled eggs, tomatoes, mushrooms,
potato pumpkin hash
OPTION 2 - PLATTERS
$34 PER PERSON
For a more casual approach we offer platters of
Chef’s selection items.
These will vary from pizzas, mini pies, salt and
pepper calamari, hot chips, frittata and other
seasonal items. If you have a ‘favourite food’
let us know and we can further discuss!
On the evening if you feel you need some extra
food, we can certainly organise extra pizzas for
your group and you can order & pay as you go –
so no one will go hungry!
Scrambled eggs on toast, bacon, hollandaise sauce
Roast flat mushrooms, toasted sourdough,
smashed avocado (VG)
VG
= Vegan
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OPTION 3 - GRAZING PLATTER
$32 PER PERSON
A relaxed affair with your guests arriving at different times. Our
grazing table is perfect for this type of event. Your grazing table
will look abundant with our home-smoked salmon, gorgeous
Victoria mini pies (that we are famous for!), homemade pork
spring rolls, selection of cheeses, mini pizzas, grilled vegetables,
cured and roasted meats, breads, pickles, dressings.
The Victoria house-smoked
salmon
Add to the grazing table: Prices per piece
Oyster $5
Half-shell scallops $5
Chicken satay sticks $3.5
Vegetarian & vegan boards
Available and priced on request
OPTION 4 - CANAPES
Cold Canapes $4 per piece
Beef carpaccio, parmesan, truffle mayonnaise
Smoked salmon, cream cheese mini bagels
Tomato, basil, red onion bruschetta, balsamic glaze (V)
Baby cucumbers, Tuscan relish (V) (GF)
Crab, celery & apple crepe
Duck confit, apple, onion jam tartlets
Prawn cocktail spoons (GF)
Hot smoked salmon tartlets, chive, sour cream, preserved lemon
Tomato, bocconcini spoon (V) (GF)
Hot Canapes $4 per piece
Duck spring rolls and honey
soy chicken wings
GF
V
VG
N
= Gluten-free
= Vegetarian
= Vegan
= Contains nuts
Chicken satay, peanut sauce (GF) (N)
Barramundi basil pesto skewers, lemon mayonnaise (GF)
Confit duck filo triangles, plum sauce
Panko prawns, lime aioli
Mushroom arancini (V)
Vegetable spring rolls (V)
Swiss cheese gougeres (V)
Spinach & ricotta filo triangles (V)
Canapes continued...
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Homemade Pizza
Spanish chorizo, mozzarella
Margherita, mozzarella, basil (V)
BBQ chicken, mozzarella
Pumpkin, goats cheese, mozzarella (V)
Mexican – chilli beef, jalapenos, red onion, sour cream
1 metre long pizzas (choose your topping)
cut into 50 pieces $110 per metre
Substantial Canapes $6 each
Mini burgers, lettuce, tomato, red onion, cheese, brioche buns
Pulled pork brioche rolls, coleslaw
Slow cooked beef brisket, brioche rolls, onion jam
Crispy fish burgers, brioche rolls, coleslaw
Basket fish & chips, homemade tartar sauce
Chicken tenders, chunky fries, tomato sauce
Vegetable tempura basket, chunky fries (V)
Homemade sausage rolls, tomato sauce
Mini homemade pies
Mini vegetable quiche
Confit duck noodle box
Mini vegetable quiche
OPTION 5 - PIZZA PARTIES
$34 PER PERSON
Are you looking for everyone to have a casual, hassle-free meal?
Our pizza parties are a hit. We choose a selection of pizzas for your
party – check out all of the toppings on our current menu at
orders.victoriawoodend.com and choose 2 of the below salads.
Garlic pizzas served with pre-drinks.
Choose 2 salads
Caesar salad, garlic anchovy dressing, boiled eggs,
parmesan, bacon
Grilled cauliflower, broccoli, pomegranate, toasted hazelnuts (GF)
Garden salad, seasonal salad, with a herb yoghurt dressing (GF)
Spiced chickpeas, fresh vegetable salad (GF)
Roast sweet potato, feta cheese, toasted walnuts (GF)
Greek salad, feta cheese, herb lemon dressing (GF)
Tomato bocconcini, basil pesto (GF)
Mexican stone based pizza
GF
V
VG
N
= Gluten-free
= Vegetarian
= Vegan
= Contains nuts
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OPTION 6 - FEAST STYLE
At the Victoria Hotel our seated dinners are served ‘Feast Style’ -
beautiful platters of entree, main and dessert will be delivered per
table for you and your guests to share together and enjoy.
Choose 1 starter
Salt & pepper calamari, Asian dressing (GF) (N)
Soup of the day, crusty bread
Vegetable frittata, tomato relish (GF)
Salmon gravalax, Dijon dressing, pickled cucumbers, toasted rye
Vegetable tempura, lemon aioli
Confit duck, apple filo parcel, tomato salsa
Generous feast style meals
Choose 2 big eats & 1 accompanying dish
Big Eats (Choose 2)
The Victoria homemade pie:
Beef & burgundy OR Beef & guinness OR Lamb & thyme
OR, Chicken, ham & leek OR Seafood pie
Chicken satay skewers, braised rice, satay sauce (GF)
Slow beef casserole, grilled vegetables, red wine sauce (GF)
Slow-cooked shoulder of lamb, grilled vegetables,
salsa verde (GF)
Pan roasted salmon, herb mayonnaise, roasted sweet potatoes (GF)
Italian meatballs, rich tomato sauce
Grilled lemon herb barramundi kebabs, ratatouille vegetables (GF)
Thyme roasted whole lemon chicken, roast potatoes,
garlic aioli (GF)
Eggplant, zucchini moussaka (V)
Pearl barley salad
GF
V
VG
N
= Gluten-free
= Vegetarian
= Vegan
= Contains nuts
Accompanying (Choose 1)
Caesar salad, garlic anchovy dressing, boiled eggs, parmesan, bacon
Grilled cauliflower, broccoli, pomegranate, toasted hazelnuts (GF)
Garden salad with a herb yoghurt dressing (GF)
Spiced chickpeas, fresh vegetable salad (GF)
Roast sweet potato, feta cheese, toasted walnuts (GF)
Greek salad, feta cheese, herb lemon dressing (GF)
Tomato bocconcini, basil pesto (GF)
Roasted potatoes, rosemary (GF)
Pearl barley salad, dried fruits, nuts, grilled vegetables, macadamia
feta (GF) (VG) (N)
14 | thevictoriawoodend.com.au
Choose 1 dessert
Chocolate Baileys mousse, roasted hazelnuts
Chocolate brownie, whipped sweet cream (N)
Australian pavlova, berry compote
Apple crumble, whipped sweet cream
Sticky date pudding, butterscotch sauce
Seasonal fruit platters
Tiramisu
Add any of the below items to the above menu.
If you would like canapes at the start of your event refer
to our canape menu.
12 inch Garlic pizza 8 pieces $15
Cheesy garlic pizza 8 pieces $16.50
Add one more salad $3 per person
Bowls of chunky fries $2 per person
Metre pizzas $100 each 50 pieces
Cheese platter $10 per person
Victoria Pie – our famous house
made pies
2 courses $42 per person
3 courses $52 per person
OPTION 7- FULL A LA CARTE
Priced as per a la carte menu
Do you have a fussy lot that just can’t make up their mind
or it’s just too much for you to choose what you would like
to do foodwise?
We offer full a la carte for up to 50 people who can pay as
they go.
We also offer a reduced a la carte menu for 50–80 people
with 4 options to choose from for your nearest and dearest.
Chicken supreme, creamy mash,
seasonal vegetables, red wine jus
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OPTION 8 - AFTERNOON TEA / FUNCTIONS
$28 PER PERSON
Bubbles on the balcony or in front of the fire – this is the perfect
afternoon for fun with a small or large group of friends and
family! Perfect for Hen’s afternoons or birthday celebrations!
Selection of finger sandwiches
Fruit and plain scones, jam, cream
Teacakes, tartlets
Tea & plunger coffee
Plus hot canapes $5 per piece
Mini lemon meringue tarts
Homemade mini pies, tomato sauce
Duck spring rolls, plum sauce
Homemade Thai fish cakes, sweet chilli sauce
Add a glasses of bubbles $8 per glass
OPTION 9 - LIGHT MEALS (AVAILABLE LUNCH ONLY)
Do you have a tour group exploring the Macedon Ranges or
a group of people you would love to catch up with and only
want a light lunch? Well, this is the perfect option!
Available Monday – Thursday, lunch only
Soup and sandwich $15 per person
Soup, sandwich, shortbread, plunger tea and
coffee $19.50 per person
OPTION 10 - CASUAL LUNCHES
Coal fired Aussie beef burger,
bacon, egg, onion jam, toasted
brioche, tomato relish, steak fries
$22 PER PERSON
Looking for a casual lunch in the beer garden with a tipple
included? This is perfect for pre-concert goers, bucks parties
or even pub crawls.
Steak sangers, lettuce, tomato, onion relish with hot chips
and a pot of beer or glass of bubbles.
16 | thevictoriawoodend.com.au
OPTION 11 - CELEBRATION OF LIFE
We offer a celebration of life package that takes the stress
away, you will have exclusive use of the Mountain View
Room upstairs, which is private with an outdoor balcony.
Our offering is designed to make it easier for you at
this difficult time. The package includes a selection of
sandwiches, fruit platters, biscuits, tea and coffee, room
hire and 1 food and beverage attendant $19 per person
Add on mini homemade pies $6 per person
Add on mini homemade sausage rolls $5 per person
Drinks can be charged on a consumption basis or a tab
can be placed behind the bar.
OPTION 12 - SPECIAL CELEBRATIONS
- CHRISTMAS IN JULY
Steak sandwiches in the
Courtyard
2 COURSE $38
3 COURSE $46
Home-smoked salmon, horseradish cream, pickled
red onions
Roast turkey, seasonal vegetables, roast thyme potatoes,
cranberry sauce, red wine sauce
Christmas pudding, brandy custard, fresh berries
OPTION 13 - CUSTOMISED MENUS JUST FOR YOU
Price on application
We can customise a menu just for you. Anything from a
casual lunch to a degustation meal just ask and we will
design something that will make your event memorable!
Coal fired Scotch fillet, steak
fries, garden salad, creamy
mushroom sauce
thevictoriawoodend.com.au | 17
DRINK PACKAGES
Choose from a fabulous selection of regional wines, local and craft beers including affordable packages
The Victoria Hotel has an extensive drinks list with a variety of regional wines, beers and spirits.
We are so fortunate to have over 40 boutique wineries within the Macedon Ranges and we are so
proud to showcase them within our wine list.
Why not check out the Gins – they are internationally recognised and made in Mt Macedon
and Newham!
There are three beverage options please see below:
OPTION 1 - BEVERAGE PACKAGE
2 HOURS – $39 PER PERSON
3 HOURS – $52 PER PERSON
4 HOURS – $65 PER PERSON
Includes:
Morgans Bay Cuvee, Morgans Bay Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, Morgans Bay Shiraz Cabernet,
Carlton Draught, Victoria Golden Ale, Cascade Light stubbies, soft drink and juices.
18 | thevictoriawoodend.com.au
OPTION 2 - BEVERAGE PACKAGE
2 HOURS – $45 PER PERSON
3 HOURS – $59 PER PERSON
4 HOURS – $69 PER PERSON
Includes:
T’Gallant Prosecco, Mitchelton Cuvee, Local Chardonnay,
Squealing Pig Sauvignon Blanc, Squealing Pig Rose,
Regional Shiraz, Bress Pinot Noir, Carlton Draught, Victoria
Golden Ale, Rock and Ranges, Peroni, Cascade light
stubbies, soft drink, mineral water and juices.
OPTION 3 - BEVERAGE CONSUMPTION
Tailor made Macedon Ranges
wine packages available
Your choice of beverages selected from our regional
drinks list & charged upon consumption.
We can set up a tab and keep you informed, once you hit
your limit your guests can move onto a cash bar or you can
choose to increase the tab on the day. We also offer a cash
bar to your guests that would prefer to drink something you
have not chosen to include in the tab.
Jardine martini cocktails all
round! Do you have a favourite
cocktail you would like served
on arrival – just ask us!
thevictoriawoodend.com.au | 19
OUR
Bottle Shop
Supporting local from the convenience of your car
ARE YOU HAVING A PARTY? We offer party packs for your at home parties or business events. We
cater for small to large gatherings and can source specific wines and beers for 10 – 200 people. We
also have glassware available for hire.
Send us an email to enquire – events@thevictoriawoodend.com.au
OUR
Takeaway
Available 7 Days Lunch & Dinner
Drive-in, Pick-up or Get It Delivered. Too Easy!
Over 55 regional wines and 70 craft beers all accompanied by local breweries, cideries and distilleries.
An extensive takeaway menu that includes both your pub grub favourites, healthy options and stone
based pizzas. We have weekly promos and always check out our specials for the week.
Order online at – orders@thevictoriawoodend.com
BE A LOCAL LOVER
Victoria
Box
ARE YOU BOLD ENOUGH?
Are you ready to have your senses stripped
down to a single moment?
Are you prepared to have your perceptions of
wine dissipate like a sun-shower on a hot road?
The wines here are not for the traditionalists
who love the same old wines and venture to
the same old regions time … and time … and
time … and time again.
It’s for the adventurers who love uncovering
quality for themselves; for those who kiss risk
on the lips and try rare varietals whose names
can be as exotic as the wine is delicious.
In our region sparkling wines don’t just bubble
about – they damn well dazzle. Reds aren't just
smooth, they seduce your every sense. Our
whites aren't refreshing and light, they're like
standing under a waterfall on a 10-degree day.
The Victoria Box is a hand-curated selection of
wines from the Macedon Ranges. From calluses
to oak our winemakers make some of the best
bloody wine in Australia.
Open now ... if you are ready for it.
BE REGIONALLY INDULGENT.
TheVictoriaBox.com.au
22 | thevictoriawoodend.com.au
ORDER YOUR
VICTORIA BOX
Each Month
A new specially sourced and themed box of regional
indulgence each month from The Victoria Hotel.
Joy To
The World
Wonderland
of Whites
Rosé
Everyday
Chocolálá!
Stickies
Region
of Reds
Bevy of
Bubbles
Gin
& Fizz
Get
Crafty
Carl’s
Kitchen
Woof!
Woof!
Pub Dogs
Thank You
We will customise
it for you, just ask.
Cider
Harvest
Woodend
Welcome
Emily’s
Secret
Here’s Cheers,
Pies & Beers
ORDERS OPEN 1 ST OF EACH MONTH
STARTS FROM $150
STOCKS STRICTLY LIMITED, SO GET IN EARLY.
TheVictoriaBox.com.au
Home Delivered • Pickup From Our Bottle Shop • Amazing Value
OUR
Pub In Your
Paddock
ThePubTruck.com.au
Bookings Open 1st October 2020. Get in early.
24 | thevictoriawoodend.com.au
Imagine having your very
own pub in your paddock...
backyard, driveway or
community venue for your
next special function.
Invite us to the party! We love a party!
You invite the guests – we bring the food and
drinks! Easy. Done. What time do you want
us there?
Let The Victoria come to your place!
We have put ‘our pub in a truck’ and as they say
‘have wheels, will travel!’
Serving food from ‘the best of Victoria’ from
our mobile truck, fitted out with state of the
art kitchen facilities, we can cater for 10–210
people – served straight from our truck window
or served by our professional wait staff who will
bring out food and drinks to your guests.
It doesn’t get better than that!
Our top choices from our full pub menu and
wine lists are available, with delectable gourmet
burgers, family classics such as parmas, fish and
chips or calamari, french fries, coleslaw, rib eye
on the bone with sauces to wrestle over, slowcooked
brisket and pork ribs to indulge in with a
perfectly paired craft local beer or wine.
We can even customize a menu for you and
your guests.
thevictoriawoodend.com.au | 25
This is something different and we know you
are going to love it.
We like getting out and about into the community
and being right there in amongst it all.
Bookings are strictly limited so get in early,
as we will be booked out, particularly for the
upcoming end of year and Christmas functions.
Our Melbourne and regional Victoria clients
– don’t feel left out, we can come to your place
too – anywhere in Victoria – The Victoria Pub
Truck can be there.
To book (please book early to avoid
disappointment), complete our Function
booking form in this magazine or email
events@thevictoriawoodend.com.au and to
book a call with one of The Victoria’s event team.
Our Pub. Your Place. Let’s Do It!
26 | thevictoriawoodend.com.au
Book our Pub Truck
for your next function
Bookings open 1st October 2020.
Get in early.
ThePubTruck.com.au
GETTING
Hitched
The day before the big day or the day after,
let us create a relaxed special lunch or dinner
for your nearest and dearest
28 | thevictoriawoodend.com.au
Engagements
So you’ve made a pretty big life decision, right?
Wahoo! It’s time to celebrate it and tell the world.
No matter what your style is – casual or black
tie, we can accommodate your wishes and will
make the room up just as you like (but really,
everything it right there now ready for you).
Casual cocktails standing around or a custom
menu sitting down, this will be a great memorymaker
for the start of the wedding album!
Pre & Post Parties
For everyone, their big day is a big deal, so
having somewhere nice and casual for your most
important guests and close family to meet up
the night before (or the day after), can be a great
relaxer and give you a chance to take a breath
and remember to enjoy the moment.
Dinner upstairs with mountain views or drinks
& pizza or tapas in The Rock & Wombat Bar or
Courtyard – options are endless.
We are in the centre of the Macedon Ranges so
your guests can arrive and depart via VLine,
adding to the ease and experience of your
wonderful wedding celebrations.
Simply just turn up, ready to celebrate and we
are here to look after you.
thevictoriawoodend.com.au | 29
Weddings
Yes! We love weddings as much as you do. An
open fire for a chilly winter wedding – how
romantic!
With our 20 years experience creating weddings
to remember, we can do intimate tables of 20
(for up to 100 people) as well as budget-friendly
options in your own private area – your own
bar, facilities and private balcony.
To ensure you have a good time, we can help
organise the cake, florist (or you can bring your
own) and we will provide the stunning room
with a great view for wedding pics with Mt
Macedon in the background.
Hens & Bucks
Are you getting your close friends together to
celebrate your upcoming wedding? As casual or
formal as you like, let us know your budget and
we can work with you!
Hire out the front bar or upstairs – organise a
band to dance the night away or cocktails on the
balcony followed by a grazing platter. Plug in
your fave playlist and have the night of your life
with your besties. Go on, you deserve it! This is
your time.
Hens & Bucks parties – what
goes on in the hotel, stays in
the hotel. Just kidding. Have
a fun night at our place!
30 | thevictoriawoodend.com.au
Enjoy regional wines in front
of a cosy winter fire
or relax on a balmy night on the
balcony with a pink gin fizz
thevictoriawoodend.com.au
HERE’S
Cheers!
Join us at The Rock And Wombat Bar for tapas
Friday & Saturday nights
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Every country town has a corner pub and a front bar
synonymous with the local characters of the town.
We like to think our front bar is a local character
in its own right!
Inviting, rare and a little cheeky, stacked high with
local craft beers, exquisite local and international
gin and regional wines and great food in a casual,
informal vibe.
As you drive into Woodend from the Melbourne
side, the Victoria Hotel takes pride and place as the
first hotel and a landmark building open since 1861.
Entering off the main street under our neon lights
of The Vic Hotel, you will walk into our newly
refurbished Rock and Wombat Bar.
The Rock named after our internationally
renowned rock formation ‘Hanging Rock’
between Woodend and the Macedon Ranges,
rising 105 metres and made infamous by the 1975s
cult Australian film ‘Picnic at Hanging Rock’
by Peter Weir, adapted from the 1967 classic
Australian novel by Joan Lindsay.
And our Wombat is a tribute to the most prolific
region in Australia for these cute little rare creatures,
Aussies love so much – the cheeky Wombat.
Our Rock and Wombat Bar is open 7 days a
week and on Fridays through to Sundays, we are
Open for Tapas – a delectable, Spanish inspired
shared food experiences – perfect for a pre-dinner
occasion or a stop in before your big night out.
Starting from $4 per piece, our Tapas menu has
something for all tastebuds. We suggest you
partner our menu with a recommended Macedon
Ranges regional wine or why not enjoy one of our
pink gin fizzes!
Tapas menu at
The Rock and Wombat Bar
Home-smoked salmon, pickled red onions,
cured pork, pickles
Tuna tartare, soy, honey, sesame, taco
Fish fingers, tartare sauce (GF)
Crispy calamari, Asian salad (GF)
Pulled pork arancini, wasabi mayonnaise
Cheese, smoked cherry vine tomatoes,
tomato relish (GF)
The Vic croque monsieur
Slow-cooked BBQ ribs, Smoked BBQ sauce (GF)
Vegetarian/vegan
Basket, sourdough, focaccia
Beetroot dip, burnt eggplant, pomegranate (VG)
The Vic salad (VG)
Mini chickpea pies, tomato relish (VG)
Mushroom arancini, wasabi mayonnaise (V)
Truffle French fries, grated parmesan cheese (GF)
Selection mini desserts
GF = Gluten-free • V = Vegetarian • VG = Vegan
Bookings are recommended
but not essential, why not
book this space out for your
next party!
thevictoriawoodend.com.au | 33
WHEN WE SAY CHEERS!
WE MEAN
BEERS!
Beer’s better together.
Become a member of
our local brewery.
The Victoria Hotel is a proud founding member
and supporter of the community-owned,
democratically-controlled brewing co-op in the
Macedon Ranges – Rock and Ranges.
Rock and Ranges started in 2019 to promote
social enterprise, empower community,
encourage environmental sustainability and
at the same time, make fantastic local beers.
Meet our beers here
www.rockandranges.beer
In a recent BrewNews article, Emily Blades,
Board Member and Victoria Hotel Publican
explains why she wanted to get involved:
“There’s a lot of isolation in rural and regional
areas, but what we’re offering here is a
community hub. 70% of our customers at the
Victorian Hotel are local and they’re so excited
about the brewing company and the beer –
we all love the idea of having something for
our community.”
I invite our guests and patrons to become
members of the brewery. It’s simple and easy
to complete an application – just visit this link
www.rockandranges.beer/membership
And of course, at The Victoria,
we always have one of the
R & R beers on tap!
Keen
To Learn
More?
Check out the article in BrewsNews
www.brewnews.com
34 | thevictoriawoodend.com.au
Follow us on Facebook
www.facebook.com/rockandrangesbeer
Have some Tapas in our famous
The Rock and Wombat Bar
or drop in for a casual
drink and chat
thevictoriawoodend.com.au
BUSINESS
Bonding
Create an experience for your customers or
clients with wonderful food, regional wines and
professional conference space to talk business
36 | thevictoriawoodend.com.au
Why not showcase your
business in a different setting
and exceed your customer’s
expectations
Let your business stand out by inviting your
customers and guests to ‘the pub’ and let us
surprise and delight them, with a whole lot
more than good old country hospitality! How
does a sophisticated food and beverage package,
prepared by our Executive Chef Carl, all tailored
to your needs and delivered using local produce
and local wines sound? We take our business
seriously too!
Our venue is ideal for day conferences, workshops,
product launches, expos and even staff training,
offering a bright space and natural light to learn
and work, with many break out rooms giving
you lots of options and flexibility.
You can dine in the room of your choice for
a working lunch or stretch your legs and move
to the balcony, bistro or courtyard for lunch
or breaks.
Our experienced events staff are also happy
to make recommendations for team building
ideas as well, either brought to the hotel or will
organise an offsite event in our local Macedon
Ranges region. Some of our faves are:
• Carl’s Cooking School
• Clay Pigeon Shooting
• Meet a gin maker
• Private dining available for VIP clients
– set menus, feast style arrangement
• A local winemaker invited to your dinner
and to coordinate tastings
thevictoriawoodend.com.au | 37
So take advantage of the fresh country air
and regional Victoria country experience
and do some serious business bonding
at The Victoria. We are only 55 minutes
on VLine from the city – Woodend
Station and a 100 metre walk to the hotel.
Plenty of local parking available too and
numerous accommodation options and
attractions in the area.
A unique venue with an experienced event
team will take the stress out of organising
your important business function. Let us
do it for you.
Reward your staff, teams
and customers with their
award presentations and
a celebration over lunch
or dinner with great food
and outstanding service
38 | thevictoriawoodend.com.au
Image from: commons.wikimedia.org
Invite your clients to our
business-friendly conferences
and networking spaces
or stage a private
dining experience with your VIPs
thevictoriawoodend.com.au
COMMUNITY
Get-Togethers
Just won the finals? Grab your mates for an end of
season celebration with a pizza party in the front bar
at The Victoria. Club song singing compulsory!
40 | thevictoriawoodend.com.au
We love a car rally in the
Macedon Ranges. Make us
your pitstop for lunch
We have organised loads of functions for car
rallies and have become somewhat of a legendary
pit stop for weekend car club outings. Why?
Because we can offer ‘pay as you go’, set price,
buffet-style – just let us know what you envisage
and we will assist.
Look at your prized possession from the balcony
– park in the wide streets of Woodend and
marvel at your vehicle and the view. It’s all about
the cars, we know!
We have all the local
beers on tap for your
next club event
From presentation nights, celebrations to
fundraisers for your club, we welcome you and
your club members.
Speak to us about your dates, as we love
supporting locals and we can arrange special
deals to hire the upstairs room for your event…
we want to help you raise funds to support your
club. Community is everything.
thevictoriawoodend.com.au | 41
Staff night out from
school? Our team will
make sure you stop
talking about work!
We’ll make The Victoria
a work-free zone for the
night. Relax and enjoy.
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Celebrate your birthday
casually in our bistro
or go wild and create a themed
party upstairs your guests will be
talking about for a long time
thevictoriawoodend.com.au
RECIPE
INGREDIENTS
Quantity
Ingredients
Preparation
Slow-cooked
beef brisket,
creamy mashed
potatoes, winter
vegetables, grain
mustard sauce
2 kg
2 L
1 piece
1 piece
2 pieces
1/2 bunch
1.5 kg
200 mL
50 g
Beef brisket
Veal stock
Medium onion
Medium carrot
Fresh bay leaves
Thyme
Sea salt
Mashed Potatoes
Desiree potatoes
Thick cream
Butter
Seasoning to taste
roughly cut
roughly cut
peeled & cut evenly
diced cold
Serves 4 – 5
2 bunches
2 bunches
300 g
Vegetables
Baby beetroots
Baby carrots
Brussel sprouts
cleaned
peeled / cleaned
cleaned
Garnish
1 tbsp
Curly parsley
Grain mustard
44 | thevictoriawoodend.com.au
METHOD
1
Season the beef with sea salt and seal in a hot pan or on a bbq until the beef is golden.
Place the beef into a deep oven dish and cover with veal stock & the roughly cut carrots,
onions, thyme, bay leaf.
2 Cover with grease-proof paper and tin foil and cook in a 110°C oven for 12 hours.
Mashed Potatoes
Assemble
1
Cut the potatoes into even sizes and
bring to the boil in salted water, cook
until tender & drain.
1
Once the beef is tender, remove from
the stock & set aside. Drain the stock
and place back on the stove.
2
Return to the stove & allow to dry
over a moderate heat. Using a masher
or mouli, crush the potatoes until
smooth.
Add cream, butter and seasoning to
taste, keep warm until serving.
Vegetable Garnish
Allow to reduce by half, it will be
fatty so continue to skim away the
excess fat as it is reducing.
To thicken & give body, mix a little
corn flour with gravy mix to a thick
paste and whisk into the stock.
Season the sauce and finish with a
spoon of grain mustard.
1
2
Clean the beetroots and bake them
in olive oil and sea salt until tender.
Wrap them in tin foil before placing
in oven.
Whilst they are warm rub off the
skins using a piece of paper towel.
Cut in half if too big & set aside.
Peel the carrots and cook in salted
water until tender, refresh under cold
water and set aside.
2
Pan roast the vegetables in olive oil
and a little butter, place in the oven
until hot, place the mashed potatoes
on the plate, break off the tender
brisket and place on top.
Arrange the vegetables around
the meat and dress with hot sauce.
Garnish with parsley, then simply
enjoy!
3
Clean the sprouts and cut in half,
cook in boiling salted water until
tender, refresh in cold water.
thevictoriawoodend.com.au | 45
HOW TO BOOK
A Function
With Us
Fill in our Enquiry Form and email it to us – events@thevictoriawoodend.com.au
or drop it into the hotel. Make sure you give us as much information as you can,
so we can make the process as efficient as possible.
We can’t wait to welcome you to The Victoria Hotel.
46 | thevictoriawoodend.com.au
5 TIPS
to know so your function
goes smoothly
1
Set your drinks tab and
we will keep you posted
on where you are at
4
There’s no question we don’t
want to hear about – just ask
us anything
2
Know you can order extra
food at any time if your
crowd is super hungry
5
We love a great celebration, just
like you, so let’s work together
on an unforgettable experience
for you and your guests
3
You will have a dedicated
staff member looking
after you for your event
thevictoriawoodend.com.au | 47
We are the venue for your next function
CONTACT US TODAY TO SPEAK WITH OUR TEAM
03 5427 2721 events@thevictoriawoodend.com.au
Name
Phone
Email
Preferred day/date for your function
What is your function?
Estimated number of people
Meal type: (eg. lunch, dinner, drinks)
Have you had a function with us before? Yes No
Tell us more
Can we send you our news? Yes No
Do you want to hire our Pub truck? Yes No
What is your address?
Do you have a date?
Pop your contact details above.
Date of enquiry
Events staff initial
48 | thevictoriawoodend.com.au
Come and Visit
T he Beautiful Macedon Ranges
OUR WINERY PICKS
hangingrock.com.au
zigzagwines.com.au
granitehills.com.au
hesketestate.com.au
mounttowrong.com.au
lanesend.com.au
bress.com.au
rowanston.com
elliswines.com.au
paramoor.com.au
Photo credit: chloesmith-photography.com and VisitMacedonRanges.com
thevictoriawoodend.com.au | 49
THE HISTORY OF
The Victoria Hotel, Woodend
On the northwest corner of Urquhart and High Streets, Woodend
Rules and regulations for
running a hotel
In 1841 the Colony of Victoria enacted
‘Conditions under which a Building may be a
Licenced as a Hotel.’
“Every licensed hotel shall contain two sitting
rooms and two sleeping rooms independent of
the apartments occupied by the family of the
publican.
There shall also be a place of accommodation on
or near the premises for the use of customers in
order to prevent offences against decency.
There shall also be stabling for at least 6 horses
with a sufficient supply of hay, corn of other
wholesome and usual provender for the horses of
travellers.”
The Victoria Hotel 1861 – present
Robert Hogg Thorburn was born in Edinburgh
in 1827 and after his marriage to Sarah Ann
Baldwin in 1852, came to Victoria gripped with
“gold fever”.
He soon decided that Woodend provided great
opportunities, situated as it was on the road,
often choked with fortune seekers, that led to
Forest Creek and Bendigo.
He bought land from P A O’Farrell where
he and Sarah lived in a tent while he built a
blacksmith’s shop and store in which Woodend’s
first Post Office and Newsagency operated.
He let out leases for the rest of the land with
the consequence that when he decided to build a
hotel, even after demolishing his own store,
he only had land enough to build half the hotel.
He had to wait some time until the lease ran out
50 | thevictoriawoodend.com.au
and then he was able to remove Gillespie’s Hay
and Corn Store to build the rest of the hotel.
The finished hotel was a two-storied one of
brick and stone and boasted 18 rooms, including
nine bed chambers and two sitting rooms.
Thorburn leased the hotel to W T Sampson for
some years before taking up the licence himself.
Sampson advertised that:
“Families from the metropolis can be
accommodated with private apartments and be
waited upon either by their own, or the hotel
servants.”
Sampson constantly provided entertainments,
many of them free, to entice patrons to his hotel
including one particular concert featuring Mr
William Robson, listed as the greatest Clog,
Juba and Ballet Dancer in the Colonies, who
performed his celebrated Rattle Snake jig.
Robert Hogg Thorburn took over the licence
in 1868 and held it until his death in 1912. His
nephew, known as “Wild George” Thorburn,
who with his widowed mother and five siblings
had lived with Robert and Sara in Woodend for
a time, was the family “black sheep.” A known
associate of the Kelly Gang, “Wild George”
was said to have assisted the escape of stolen
horses being held as evidence against them by
giving the guard a bottle of whisky and helping
him to become drunk. When in his 60s, he
had a reputation of being able to race cable
trams between stops up the Collins Street hill.
According to family recollections, during visits
to his brother at Ascot
Vale, his language was
so bad that the children
were ushered out of the
house.
then sold the hotel for £1,850 and Elizabeth
Ann Hemmings became the new licensee. In
January 1921 the Woodend Star reported the
sensational events that had occurred on New
Year’s Eve when Edward Allison shot George
Bowen, apparently with intent to murder after
an altercation at the Victoria Hotel. That same
year Isabella Ames sold up her Collins Street and
Collingwood hotels to buy the Victoria Hotel
which she and her family owned for 58 years,
sometimes with other licensees operating it.
In 1928 saw another sensation when eight
excited Italians were involved in smashing in
doors, breaking windows and knifing Harper,
the licensee. When Constable Earnshaw
intervened more knives were produced and
the Constable had to call for witnesses to grab
lengths of firewood as cudgels to help him beat
back the attackers and arrest them. At least one
assailant went to prison and the others faced
heavy fines.
Johnny Marcroft, Isabella’s grandson, sold the
hotel in 1978 and since then under various
licensees the Victoria Hotel, complete with
a little old grey-haired lady who appears
occasionally in an upstairs bedroom, has
continued to operate until the present day. n
Hotels of Woodend and the surrounding district.
Thanks to the Woodend Historical Society for
their assistance. Extract from letter to the Editor
Woodend Star, 28 August 1897
Robert’s son, William
Thorburn, followed as
a Publican in 1912 but
died in 1914 aged 58;
the Thorburn family
thevictoriawoodend.com.au | 51
WOODEND’S
OLDEST PUB
Macedon Ranges’
hassle-free
function venue
Regional Indulgence.
Community Feel.
International Function.
Experience.
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The Victoria Hotel, Woodend
The Victoria Hotel, Woodend
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