Paradise Valley Hotel

The Verdict

If you’ve ever caught Puffing Billy (if you haven’t, why not?) you’ve probably noticed a sign near Clematis Station that points to the Paradise Valley Hotel, an isolated pub in the Dandenongs.

The Paradise Valley Hotel has just had a bit of a facelift. The team behind Fitzroy North’s The Recreation took over the pub in September 2019. And for new owners Mark Protheroe, Joe Durrant and Steven Nelson, it was a ‘no brainer’.

“The sense of community we feel in the Dandenong Ranges reminds us of what we have here in Fitzroy North,” said Protheroe.

“We have a vision for the greater area becoming a really strong hospitality hub, and having other great operators like O.My and the Independent gives us confidence in our vision. We are excited to take on such a historic venue.”

The pub itself has been running since 1903 when the then general store was granted a wine licence.

The new menu at Paradise Valley Hotel will be similar to that you’ll find at The Recreation, along with some nods to classic pub food. Expect steak, burgers with house-made tomato sauce and chicken schnitzel alongside duck pie, smoked trout salad and a seasonally-changing knickerbocker glory which is a dessert you’ll be wanting to try very soon.

The beer and wine choices feature a range of local producers such as Dirty Three, and Valentine Wines, to Sailors Grave and Hop Nation on the beer side.

The new Paradise Valley Hotel opened in mid-September.

Image credit: James Morgan