By ALESHA CAPONE
NOT many hotels can claim to have a liquor licence dating back to 1839 – or their own ghost.
But the Steam Packet Hotel in Williamstown is one such historic venue.
Last week, the venue celebrated the 174th anniversary of its liquor licence and also the building’s 150th anniversary.
On 7 January in 1839, the Ship Inn was established in Cole St by James Fawn.
The property was destroyed by fire in the 1850s but reopened in 1863 as the Steam Packet when Williamstown was a thriving nineteenth century port.
The hotel is also reportedly haunted by the opera singer John De Haga who shot himself at the hotel after losing his voice during 1872.
But the hotel’s present owner Scott Meager said most of his clients nowadays consisted of families rather than temperamental vocalists.
“Because we’re located in Cole St just off Nelson Place, most of our business comes from locals,” Mr Meager said.
“That gives you a chance to get to know residents and get to know what’s happening in the community and we also sponsor a few local sports teams.”
“We become friends with our customers which is good.
“We’ve really concentrated on the food side of the business for the past few years and what’ve really enjoyed is having good food and good local people to serve and making good friends.”
He said Hobsons Bay City Council had been supportive in planning events during 2013 for the hotel’s 150th anniversary.
Coming up across the next 12 months the hotel will play host to Art in Public Places, Heritage Week, Literary Week, live music and community and sports events.
