CROSSING the Tooleybuc Bridge as you leave Victoria and enter NSW, the Tooleybuc Country Club Hotel is the first building that grabs your attention with its art deco styling and bright white façade. It is also grabbing attention with the culinary options available to travellers and locals alike.
Laurene McKenzie has been the licensee since May last year when she and her fiancé Chris Hurling moved from Brisbane to take it over.
In just a short time the pub has already become an award-winning venue, taking out the Best Parmi in the state of NSW by the Australian Hotel Association NSW for 2023 and a finalist in the Best Steak Sandwich category.
Ms McKenzie is keeping a focus on locally sourced fresh produce, and said that this had been a key factor in the success and growing reputation as a great local dining option.
The pub is now averaging more than 100 meals each night.
“None of our food is frozen, everything is cooked fresh,” she said.
“We get our meat and bread from Balranald which has an amazing baker and butcher, our produce and fish all come fresh from Swan Hill.
“Each meal is cooked fresh to order which is something a little bit different in terms of pub meals.”
It is not just the food that has been the focus of renewal, but the beer garden has also undergone a facelift.
This year they are aiming for even more awards and hoping to take out the Best Regional Pub award.
“We are entered in more categories this year which includes, once again the best Parmi, best steak sandwich, best burger, best refurbishment for the beer garden and part of the community,” Ms McKenzie said.
“I think we are better than we were last year, we have great consistency around the menu.
“We have a great staff with a mix of locals and backpackers, who bring a wealth of experience from all over the world. They all work together well.”
Ms McKenzie said she was really proud of how the pub had become a hub of the community with the consistency of being open for lunch and dinner each day.
