STARTING a long career in hospitality at the tender age of 16 at the famous Glenferrie Hotel, the Rochester Commercial Tavern owner, Olivia James, has always had a soft spot for the Rochester area and in July 2019 purchased the Tavern and made it her home.
Along with her two companions, English Springer Spaniels Barney and Pepper, Olivia has created a comfortable and homely feel throughout the 1870’s-built property.
The Tavern comprises of six separate areas to relax, dine and experience wines from the Yarra Valley and Adelaide Hills regions.
A paved courtyard area complete with a 100-year-old Peppercorn tree, an alleyway area under hanging lights, a formal dining room complete with a rustic fireplace, front bar area, bistro area with a formal lounge in between renders the Tavern is the perfect place for your next function or get together.
The kitchen is run by head chef Mel and offers a menu that has something to please everyone with your regular Pot and Parmi Tuesday night, wood-fired pizzas Friday and Saturday night, 800g Rib Eye and 450g steaks to the locally sourced exclusive Murray Cod which Olivia hand picks herself. The kitchen is open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner as well as Friday and Saturday lunches.
Boasting four rooms upstairs with their own private bathrooms, guests are able to enjoy the upstairs balcony all to themselves, which provides views of the painted silos and the street below. It’s the perfect weekend getaway spot with everything at your fingertips.
The Tavern is a pet friendly space and has its own distinct abstract animal décor and tasteful furnishings that bring a modern concept into the rustic era.
For bookings contact Olivia on 0481 774 986 or drop in at 49 Moore St, Rochester.
