Chisholm Family Tavern to close, hit hard by COVID downturn

The pub will close for the last time on Sunday, the owners announced on Facebook.

"Well, it wasn't as if we all didn't try," a post on Chisholm Tavern's Facebook page states.

Owners Jenny and Graham "Gumby" Hunt had fought hard against a development application for a McDonald's that would see their pub pushed out.

But it was the revenue downturn caused by COVID which forced the local business to close.

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"The fight to keep the Tavern doors open was long and hard, and went on for almost two years against not only landlords, but a huge business entity as well," the statement read.

"We thought that once and for all, it would be smooth sailing, but alas, COVID hit again."

The lockdown, as well as restrictions on capacity, compounded pressure on the tavern's owners, as did the "dire need of renovation, which in the current economic climate is not viable".

"So with this announcement, we would like to say thank you for all your support. Those of you who have been coming to 'The Tav' for all or part of the thirty years we have been there a big THANKS and an even bigger FAREWELL TO ALL," the statement reads.

Chisholm Family Tavern will offer takeaway orders from 3pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.