Betoota Hotel to serve its first beer in two decades
A pub in the Queensland outback that hasn’t seen a customer since 1997 is set to reopen.
The Betoota Hotel closed down decades ago with the town recording a population of zero.
Betoota lies 170 km east of Birdsville, with the local pub the only building still standing.
Brisbane panel beater Robert Haken has since restored the pub to its former glory after taking ownership late last year.
"It's one of those places that has atmosphere and a huge amount of history behind it. It's just a magic place," he told Sunrise.
"We've done a lot of reno, we've put a whole new kitchen in, given her a lick of paint and done all the verandahs up. It's come up a real treat!"
The pub will open its doors to the public in the next few weeks, with Haken hoping visitors will make the trip to Betoota to enjoy a "cold beer and a hot pie".
Sheridan Randall, 20th November 2019
