By Eleanor Wilson
After a turbulent year which almost saw the demise of one of Pakenham’s oldest pubs, the iconic Main Street watering hole colloquially known as Purvies opened its doors to punters again in September, trading under a new name – The Railway Hotel Pakenham.
The historic hotel has been a favoured local spot for drinks and counter meals since the 1870s, operating most recently as the Drake Tavern until owners decided to shut up shop in May this year.
A vision to convert the business into a childcare centre was dissolved by a deal from a consortium of local investors and business owners to buy the site, brokered by Barry Plant co-principal Dan O’Loughlin.
That included Francis Deegan of the Deegan Hotel Group – well known in the local area for fellow hospitality venues including The Central Hotel Beaconsfield, Kooweerup’s Royal Hotel and until recently, Cardinia Park Hotel in Beaconsfield.
Mr Deegan said he felt determined to help “give the community back the pub they know and love”.
“We are super excited to open the doors and fill the pub again and sell plenty of cold beers,” he said.
“We’ve got a good strong team that will support the reopening and ensure we bring up the service standard of the hotel.”
The hotel’s service was bolstered by a mixture of old and new staff, alongside Cardinia Park Hotel’s Colin Rafferty in the kitchen, who was crowned Victorian Chef of Year in 2021.
Mr Deegan said he hopes the pub’s new name, which pays homage to the historic railway line it has grown to be synonymous with, will mark a new era for the venue.
“We know it has always been referred to as The Pakenham Hotel by the railway line, but we found that with the two Castellos pubs, it got a bit confusing.
“This is one of the oldest hotels in Pakenham, so it still deserves to have recognition as the Pakenham Hotel.”
