A Brief History of the Metung Hotel
Metung, (formally known as “Rosherville”), comes from the language of the native Kurnai tribe meaning “bend in the lake”.
The first premises’ constructed on the current site was the “Rosherville Hotel”, built in 1870 by Mr G Wood. In 1875 Mr C Krecklow, from Berlin, Germany acquired the Hotel and changed its name to “Krecklow’s” Scarborough Hotel. The Rosherville and Scarborough Hotel had a covered veranda running around the establishment which was located only a few feet from the lake.
Prominent “City Men” who were charmed by Metung’s beauty and beautiful boating grounds came to Metung to spend their holiday time. They travelled by train to Sale and then Steamer to Metung. Cricket, shooting, fishing, riding and diving were the activities of the day. For the Ladies it was bridge, lawn tennis, croquet, sailing and rowing. In the evening the Hotel was the centre of all activity in Metung.
With the fabulous “Billiards” room and with the local constabulary being 25 miles away, I am sure there would be a story or two to be told. Some may say, not a lot has changed!
In 1945 the Scarborough Hotel was sold to Melbourne Criminal Lawyer Mr Ray Dunn and American Mr George Graves. Ray and George changed the pubs name to “The Metung Hotel”. By the early 50s the hotel was extremely dilapidated and on 18th October 1954 caught fire and burnt down. Captain of the Metung Fire Brigade was Earnest “Tiger” Lake (his bust is on display in the hotel today); was first on the scene. “Tiger” bravely saved the beer to the village green and with licensee Charlie Underwood, tapped a keg under the big Morton Bay Fig tree to watch, cry and plan a new era for Metung. A temporary building, built from part of the structure that was left standing, operated as The Metung Hotel from the next morning.
The Metung Hotel, as we know it today, was completed in September 1957 by Ray Dunn, with George Graves opting out. The very first guests accommodated at the new hotel were family of one of the current owners today. The Dunn family have changed and re decorated the Pub many times. Some will remember the magnificent Horse Shoe bar of the 60s&70s. The extension of the Bistro onto part of the balcony in the 80s, and the wonderful “cupboard bar” of the 70s & 80s. The cupboard bar was popular after 10 o’clock closing? And let’s not forget the well worn floral carpet of the 80s/90s and new millennium.
The Pub has had 5 owners in its 136 years ; Mr G Wood 1870-1875, The Krecklows 1875-1948, Ray Dunn and Daughter Lorraine Sexton 1948-2000, Mr John Ribbands 2000-2005 and David Strange/Kim Mc Kendrick 2005 - Present. State Government land tax is currently crippling the business with an annual charge of approx $65,000 and increasing annually or better put $6 of every meal sold at the pub goes directly to the state government for the privilege of the public enjoying the view.
The current owners realise the need to re develop the site and at the same time protect the historical significance of this unique place. A new waterfront hotel is on the drawing board, along with a restaurant, retail space, motel and apartments.
So keep an eye on our web site for regular updates and drawings on the proposed fabulous redevelopment.