General News
2 April, 2019
Beer to flow at Simpson
BEER will once again flow at Simpson’s pub, with locals Nick and Biddy Weel buying the property.
BEER will once again flow at Simpson’s pub, with locals Nick and Biddy Weel buying the property.
The couple was pleased to be able to open up the establishment – which they have rebranded as the Ball and Chain Hotel Motel again for the community.
Over the past three weeks, Mr and Mrs Weel along with new chef Brett Duyvestyn and manager Michelle Duyvestyn have been working towards the grand opening today.
The Weels said they are looking forward to what the future brings for the Ball and Chain Hotel Motel.
Mr Weel said it is important to them to see the hotel open again, after it closed about two years ago.
“It’s (the pub) been a community hub for years and we want it to stay as a family pub,” he said.
“I think this area is getting busier and busier. We’re looking forward to the future.”
Among the changes to the venue include a revamp to the function room and main bar.
Mr Weel said the community is “buzzing” about the impending opening.
“We’ve had a lot of eager comments from the community,” he said.
“We’re looking forward to meeting new people.”
Mrs Weel hopes the business will be able to employ more locals moving forward.
She said it is a love of the community which spurred the decision to purchase the pub.
“It really was for Nick and I, a community thing, the community hasn’t got anywhere to go,” Mrs Weel said.
“We want to bring it back to being a family friendly pub.”
Mr Duyvestyn, who has an extensive background as a chef, was most recently the head chef at the Torquay Hotel for the last eight years.
He said he is looking forward to providing “good food, done well” for the Simpson and district community.
“I’m looking forward to it, I just want to get it open,” Mr Duyvestyn said.
“I wanted a bit of a change; it’s a bit of a challenge for me.
“Hopefully we will get the community’s support.”
Mrs Duyvestyn has worked in the hospitality industry since she was 15.
“I just want to get in there and meet the locals and get to know what they want,” she said.
“I’m looking forward to opening up the pub and getting it happening.”
The Ball and Chain Hotel Motel will be open Tuesday to Sunday between 11am to late.
Meals will be available between 12noon and 2pm and 6pm and 8.30pm.