The Victoria Hotel Magazine

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 

2 | thevictoriawoodend.com.au

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 



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 


Maggie 

Molly 

Jess 

Zoe 

Jo 

Jamie 

Nicole 

Rachel 

Lily 

Mel ‘Miss Moneypenny’ 

Rachael 

Sarah, Julia 


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! 


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. 


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 


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. 


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 


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 

thevictoriawoodend.com.au | 11

OPTION 3 - GRAZING PLATTER 


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... 


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 


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 



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 


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) 


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 


OPTION 8 - AFTERNOON TEA / FUNCTIONS 


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 


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. 


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 


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 



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. 


OPTION 2 - BEVERAGE PACKAGE 




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! 


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 


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. 


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. 


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! 


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 


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. 


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! 


Enjoy regional wines in front 

of a cosy winter fire 

or relax on a balmy night on the 

balcony with a pink gin fizz 


HERE’S 

Cheers! 

Join us at The Rock And Wombat Bar for tapas 

Friday & Saturday nights 


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 


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! 


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 


or drop in for a casual 

drink and chat 


BUSINESS 

Bonding 

Create an experience for your customers or 

clients with wonderful food, regional wines and 

professional conference space to talk business 


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 


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 


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! 


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. 


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. 


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 


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 


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. 


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. 


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 


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 


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 


THE HISTORY OF 


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 


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 


WOODEND’S 

OLDEST PUB 

Macedon Ranges’ 

hassle-free 

function venue 

Regional Indulgence. 

Community Feel. 

International Function. 

Experience. 

thevictoriawoodend.com.au 

victoriahotelwoodend 



thevictoriawoodend

The Victoria Hotel Magazine

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