Bischoff froth bubbles

West Coast watering hole wins $50k Airbnb facelift

ONE of Tasmania’s oldest, most remote hotels will receive a $50,000 facelift thanks to a nationwide search for country pubs that need a hand to again be the heart of their town.

Waratah’s Bischoff Hotel was one of six hotels to receive a grant through the popular Airbnb Country Pub Project, which aims to reinvigorate regional towns under threat from dwindling populations, drought or hard times.

A country pub can be a barometer of community wellbeing and the Bischoff Hotel is just that. Three years ago it was seldom open and finally closed. Word got around that Waratah had little to offer tourists.

But in 2017 a family came to Tassie and bought the rundown watering hole. In the summer they now struggle to keep up, as tourists dramatically boost the local population of about 250 and demand for a beer, a bed and a feed.

Physio- t urned- publican Paul Ekman and his wife Liz came to the Bischoff from Macleay Valley in NSW. Their adult daughters Yvette and Ingrid also left their lives in Melbourne to resettle in this remote town.

“There have certainly been a few moments we have wondered what we’ve taken on but the rebuilding phase is nearly over and we’re ready for the pub’s next chapter,” Mr Ekman said.

The couple developed a soft spot for Waratah after staying at the local caravan park on a visit to Tasmania.

“We met a few of the locals and their country humour stuck in our memory.”

Airbnb’s Country Pub Project was a hit with 9000 nominations coming in after it put out a call for people to nominate their favourite watering hole and describing what makes it special.

More than 700 nominations came from Tasmania.

The Ekmans plan to spend most of the grant revamping the pub’s 18 rooms but said they would also be guided by Airbnb on other ways their money can be well spent.

“We’ve certainly come a long way but our wishlist of things we’d like to do with the building is continuously growing,” he said.

As part of the grant, the couple will be paired with a nearby Airbnb host to provide tips and tricks for listing their pub on the platform and for gaining maximum exposure to overseas and domestic tourists.

Airbnb spokesman Brent Thomas said he had been blown away by the interest in the Country Pub Project and praised the Ekman’s dedication to bringing the Bischoff back to life.

“They have a clear vision to restore the pub back to its former glory and we couldn’t resist the opportunity to help out, given the impact this will have in attracting more visitors and precious tourism dollars to the Waratah community,” Mr Thomas said.

Tasmanian Hospitality Association chief executive Steve Old said more and more pubs across Tasmania, particularly in regional areas, had partnered with Airbnb, listing on their platform and reaching a market they would not be able to otherwise access, especially during the slower winter months.

They have a clear vision to restore the pub back to its former glory and we couldn’t resist the opportunity to help out — BRENT THOMAS