Over a decade of hard work and dedication has gone into the SevenHill Hotel, but now its owners are stepping down from their beloved community gem in the Clare Valley. Married couple and managers, Paul Longbottom and Kate Shadiac, took over the 162-year-old pub in 2013 when it wasn’t the successful hotel we see now.
“It was a popular place, but as with all those sorts of businesses, they go up and down, and it was on a downward path when we chose to buy it,” Longbottom said. “We backed ourselves and were able to bring it back to where we thought it should be sitting in the landscape of the Clare Valley.”
What the country pub made on a full week of work back in 2013 is what the venue now makes on a single Saturday, 12 years later. The family-owned venue’s success speaks for itself, winning the Best Country Dining Award at the South Australian Hotel Awards for six out of the last eight years.
The married duo attribute the wins to their consistency and always striving to be the absolute best they can, along with the growth of the Clare Valley over the past decade. Their goal has always been to provide a relaxed, welcoming experience where guests can sit back and enjoy their time.
“The food offering is competitive… you’ve got to keep moving with the times and stay relevant,” he said. A unique touch the pub offers is full table service, and a walk-in wine cellar where guests are invited to handpick a bottle of choice to enjoy with their meal.
For now, the husband and wife duo are taking a much-needed break from the hectic and sometimes chaotic life of publicans. The decision was not one they made lightly, as the country pub has become a great source of revenue and a much-loved community hotspot.
“ We came into the business being community-minded minded and we’re really proud of what we’ve given back.” The pub has been a proud sponsor of a number of local clubs and events, including local sporting clubs and competitions, the Variety Bash SA and helping raise funds within the community.
Next Sunday, December 14, will be their last day of trading before the new owners take over on the following Monday.
“It’s sad to be walking awa,y but it’s exciting to see new beginnings over the next year. We’re taking time for our family. Our kids don’t know anything other than us being at the pub all the time… they just want their parents.”
The pub will be passed on to newcomers from Quorn, a small town in the Flinders Ranges region. Business will continue as usual after the handover; “All of the staff are staying in place, and then they’re going to see what their strengths are and work towards them next year and beyond,” Longbottom said.
Visitors will keep seeing the friendly faces of Paul and Kate until December 14, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be back for a bite to eat and drink on the other side of the restaurant doors, as they stay active in the community.
SevenHill Hotel
Where: Main N Rd, Sevenhill, SA 5453
When: Open 7 days from 11am to Midnight
For more information, click here.
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