In later years it would be known as The Crafers Hotel when the Crafer family took out a license in 1839. It was described as "a poor place, just a rough bush hut with thatched roof and mud floor, but with good homely fare offered to man and beast". A refuge for the local woodsmen, it was also in habited by a number of lawless men who at one point held up Mrs Crafer and patrons, then helped themsel
ves to kegs of rum. When the police arrived, they were "so drunk no resistance was made and the offenders were arrested".
2014 marks a new lease of life for The Crafers Hotel, with the Peter and Matthews families undertaking a new and timely makeover for this solid, iconic old building. With one bar already renovated, the other areas will follow suit, together with an eventual 8 suites for accommodation upstairs. The owners are paying careful attention to keeping the pub in the character of its era, using natural materials such as stone, timber and slate, accented by leather and wood furniture - reclaimed where possible. Both the wine lists and menus have been overhauled to offer patrons a new selection including pub fare favourites, daily specials, and classic dishes with a modern twist. The new "kids on the block", craft beers, have the tradies comparing ales good heartedly out the front of the hotel at the new higher tables, or round the fire in the front bar.
