Renovated Cooks Hill pub knocks the punters for six

The Cooks Hill hotel is owned by Lyn and her husband John, while Julie leases and runs the hotel’s restaurant. 

The Hayes purchased the freehold business in May, 2013, after 40 years in the hotel game. The opportunity was a dream come true for the couple, who wanted to provide a quality, friendly and safe local for the Cooks Hill community. It also allowed Lyn and Julie to combine their renovating and hospitality skills. 

“The major renovations and extensions are now complete – and what a job it was in every sense – but the end result is something very special with absolutely no shortcuts,” Julie’s husband Garry Murphy told Food & Wine. 

“Lyn and Julie were born to renovate and decorate. They have worked on at least 40 properties between them to date and have done an amazing job.”

The property has been completely overhauled. Painted inside and out, there is a new roof, the airconditioning has been upgraded and the restaurant and function areas have almost doubled in size. 

The sports bar has been freshly painted and new televisions installed, the TAB area revamped and the Tea Room created. The Players Room, rest rooms, the indoor smoking area, the Sports Bar, Members Bar, Chairmans Lounge and boardroom have all been updated. 

And then there is The Pavillion, a covered outdoor area incorporating built-in lighting and pretty fairy lights.

Changes have also been made to the menu and wine list.

“We head-hunted chef Andrew West, who has worked for us before, to come up with consistent quality favourites and regular changing specials. Andrew’s 25-year career has taken him up and down the east coast of Australia, across the Tasman and over to the UK and Europe,” Mr Murphy said.

Mr West was happy to return home to Newcastle, having “been there and done that” when it came to travelling.

“I love my home town and wanted to use my skills to ensure the Cricketers could move to another level.”