The Royal Hotel has relaunched and rebranded the area at the back of the establishment as a function and events space.
Husband and wife owners Paul Lowe and Leigh Bushell-Lowe wanted to revamp the space as a modern and welcoming area, but also highlight the history of the building.
Paul and Leigh wanted to acknowledge the history of the building and chose Moody’s as a nod to the former owner. A separate meeting room named Eliza’s Room is also being completed.
The hotel is well known due to Russell Drysdale's famous painting of it, Moody's Pub, which is named after former publican Eliza Moody, who ran the hotel for 45 years.
The original painting was acquired by the National Gallery of Victoria in 1942 and a copy now hangs in Moody’s at the Royal Hotel.
“This is one of the oldest buildings in Seymour and a lot has happened here,” Paul said.
“The old courtyard needed an upgrade, but it was important to us that the history remain front of mind.
“It now has a really modern look with polished floors and overhead heating but maintains the charm of the old building.
“It can be a more private space thanks to the addition of the barn doors, and we have an extra-large smart tv that can be used for presentations.
“The large open fireplace adds to the warm, welcoming atmosphere and we are very versatile in the kinds of functions we can do and the kinds of foods we can serve.
“The space is suitable for conferences, meetings, training sessions, private dinners and celebrations, breakfasts, trivia nights.
“We can do à la carte, buffet style, set menus, carveries, cocktail parties and much more. We are happy to work with any requests people might have.”
One of the first buildings in Seymour, the Royal Hotel was originally built on the other side of Manners St in 1839.
In the early days it was used as the courthouse, post office, fire station, morgue, police lock-up, Cobb and Co depot and market.
In decades past, the Royal Hotel was a major stage coach route. The horse coaches would cross the Goulburn River behind the hotel and then rest overnight.
“Moody’s is now open for events and functions and we plan to hold regular themed cuisine nights,” Leigh said.
To book a table at Moody’s, phone the Royal Hotel on 5792 1004.
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