WHAT’S a country town without its local pub and the warmth inside? Lagozzino Top Pub in Tatura is celebrating 150 years in operation, coinciding with the town’s sesquicentennial. Owned by the Lagozzino family for 56 years, the pub’s legacy runs deep. Dominic Lagozzino bought the hotel in 1968, and today, his son Frank and wife Jenny proudly carry on the tradition.
Originally known as the Commercial Hotel, the single-storey wooden building on the corner of Ross Street and Rushworth Road was replaced in 1922. Over time, the hotel has seen many leaseholders, but in 2011, Frank took over full ownership, and since then, he and Jenny have run the business with passion, open seven days a week bringing a diverse array of food and drinks to Tatura, in an environment where people of all walks of life are welcome.
Keeping a business alive for over half a century is no easy feat, but Frank and Jenny feel immensely grateful to the wonderful community who have kept the doors open throughout many ups and downs. Surviving challenges like the Covid pandemic, the Lagozzinos have continuously adapted and improved their offerings.
“We turned out whole business around and improved everything – ourselves, the food, our services, and our offering the community where we wanted to give back to others who were struggling,” said Jenny.
Community commitment is at their heart. “We’ve raised so much money for community projects, community members struggling, major organisations involved in health and care of people suffering from major illnesses and this is just so rewarding personally for us and something we won’t ever cease,” said Jenny.
“Love your local is a great statement for Tatura, as everywhere you look you just find the kindest, nicest people, amazing stories and lively pubs – in life, you need nothing more!”
