The King's Own Pub in The Rock bought by a local family

One of the new owners James Van Strijp said the King’s Own used to be “destination pub” with people making a day to trip just to visit.

Today the building is tired and in need of renovation. Mr Van Strijp said most of the building hadn’t been renovated or updated in the last 25 years.

“We want to rejuvenate the place and change the dynamics,” he said.

“We will do renovations bit by bit.”

The new owners are all family with four couples purchasing the business and building together.

Three daughters and their partners make up the bulk of the team with their parents rounding off the new owners.

Purchasing the pub was something they had been thinking about for some time but they were pushed over the edge when they heard it might be purchased by foreign investors.

“We are committed to see something done with the place,” Mr Van Strijp said.

Two new jobs have already been created and the current staff were all kept on.

All the new owners have jobs outside of the pub including teaching, cabinet making, army, business owner and doctor.

“It is exciting and daunting at the same time,” Mr Van Strijp said.

With the renovations and changes the new owners hope to tap into new markets including truck drivers and people traveling with animals. 

The pub is set on 14 acres with paddocks out the back for people who are traveling with horses. 

A lane also allows for trucks to be parked out the back. 

However, they haven’t forgotten about their main customers, the locals. 

“Locals are our base,” Mr Van Strijp said.

“They support us and we are hoping to support them as we grow.

“Locals have been really supportive and encouraging.”

The new Facebook page has attracted more than 250 likes in just two weeks. 

The new lease on life for the pub comes as the population is set to grow at The Rock.

At least 12 lots on Milne Street will be subdivided as part of the Council’s subdivision.

The development was made possible by the new sewage which is set to be put in. Residents gave the sewage works the green light ahead of the last council meeting.

Following the council subdivisions up to 1000 lots could be made available if private owners decide to divide their land.