KINGLAKE, VIC. — Darren Cooper purchased the Kinglake Pub on February 17, taking over from John and Helen who had run the pub since Chris Owens’ departure.
A learning curve for many, Darren comes from a hospitality background, having previously worked in pubs and bottle shops around the eastern suburbs of Melbourne.
Calling the purchase “a retirement package” Mr Cooper explained that he has a couple of teenage children who will join him in the pub, and he hopes that they will eventually take over running it, while he sits back and eventually retires.
Asked what has surprised him about the last six months or so, Darren said, “Oh the cold weather up here. Coming from down there, it’s hard getting used to the absolutely freezing, snowy, misty, foggy days up here. The locals have been really good, really accepting. They’re all very helpful and very informative, with a lot of information about things past and present, and it’s a really friendly town. It’s been good.”
The menu at the Kinglake Pub features many traditional pub favourites, including parmas and schnitzels, pizzas, chicken kiev, salads, pastas, fish and chips, mixed grill, lamb shanks. “All the local pub grub that everyone likes to eat,” Darren said, later adding, “Everyone’s really happy with the food.”
The chef, Brad from Whittlesea, has 35 years of experience in kitchens, including at the Royal Mail in Yea.
