Some pubs are simply places to grab a meal or enjoy a quiet drink. Others become part of the fabric of a community, where stories are shared, friendships are forged, and visitors quickly feel like locals. The Neville Hotel is well on its way to being exactly that, with new publicans Trish and Bull officially taking the reins.
Located around 60 kilometres south of Bathurst, the historic Neville Hotel has been welcoming travellers since 1929. Set on five picturesque acres with a creek winding through the property, free camping, a spacious beer garden, regular live music and plenty of local wildlife, it’s one of those authentic Central West destinations that’s well worth the drive.
For Trish and Bull, however, it’s about much more than a beautiful country pub.
The pair have been married for 26 years and are well known throughout the region. Trish has spent her working life as both a barmaid and wool classer, while Bull has worked as a shearer, in mining and still heads back to the farm whenever he gets the chance. Together, they bring plenty of hard work, country hospitality and genuine local experience to the bar.
Their official opening on 4 July proved just how excited the community was to see the pub come back to life.
In a heartfelt message shared after the event, Trish and Bull thanked everyone who attended, saying they were “blown away by the support” despite longer-than-expected waits for meals.
“Yesterday and last night were nothing but incredible,” they wrote on their socials. “What a bloody good turnout, good food and even better vibes. Again, from the bottom of our hearts (and beer glass), thank you.”
It’s exactly the sort of community response country pubs are built on.
And while Australia is famous for colourful pub names like The Loaded Dog, The Pig and Whistle, The Fiddler’s Elbow and The Drunken Admiral, there’s something wonderfully simple about a pub called The Neville. It’s memorable, proudly regional and already creating plenty of conversation.
If you’ve been looking for an excuse to explore another corner of our beautiful region, this might just be it. Pop The Neville Hotel onto your weekend road trip list, meet Trish and Bull, enjoy a meal or a cold drink, and experience a genuine slice of Central West hospitality.
And while you’re there, don’t forget you can pick up your free copy of the Central West Village Voice from The Neville Hotel every second Friday.
