Who are the people behind your business
Owner/Chef Pat has 20 years’ experience, starting his apprenticeship at Parkroyal Wellington in his homeland of NZ. Coming across the ditch to Melbourne to join kitchens including the Melbourne Wine Room and Becco. Jackie has a similar number of years Front of House, working in events, hotels, private clubs and also Chef’s hatted restaurants. Combining their talents to create something special!
Tell us something quirky or memorable about you, your customers or your business
We live, breathe, dream tourism, it is our lifeblood and passion and it is so important to our community and local economy. With businesses like the Alexandra Hotel striving to create something special and attracting visitors to the area we think we can create and grow together. We are passionate about telling the story of our producers and making memories. We want people to dine, visit or stay with us to explore the area and love it as much as we do. Whether it’s cycling the rail trail or downhill parks (we’re a cycle accredited business), bushwalking, fishing, golfing or attending the vibrant events or dining that brings you to us at the Hotel or Fairweather Cottage, we endeavor to create an experience our customers will remember. A unique experience and one we are proud of.
What is a thing you love about your business?
We love to hear people talking about the gorgeous building, the fantastic dining experience, the comfortable and thoughtful touches in the accommodation that they have enjoyed at our hotel. Our guests ask us to pass on to the owners what a marvelous destination they’ve created (we have a little giggle afterward wondering who they think the owners might be). It really is humbling and very satisfying listening to the stories of travelers and regulars alike describing the tastes, flavors and feelings that the dining or accommodation experience has left them with.
What is the company background?
“Once upon a time there was a hospitality couple living in country Victoria in the little town of Alexandra. A chef and a front of house manager who were both juggling jobs and pursuing their real passion on the side – a Pop-Up restaurant at their little farm. One day they were looking at the long waitlist for dinners and they realised this was gaining momentum. People were loving what they were doing. Whilst considering making changes to the little farm cottage to accommodate this growth, they received a timely phone call. It was the owner of the recently lovingly restored historic Alexandra Hotel asking if Jackie & Patrick would consider moving their business and taking over this beautiful venue. Here the next chapter began… “
What is your ultimate vision for your business?
What will be our legacy…………we hope people look back and remember their experiences here with affection and a smile. The love of a dish Chef Pat has created or a particular wine vintage or new taste experience, that triggers an emotional response. We hope they remember the laughter, meeting people and sharing their experience with lifelong friends. In 20 years we’d love to hear someone say ‘remember that dish or event you did’, and we hope we inspire others to do what they love with passion and vibrancy!
