Nathan Dawes is the new energetic publican at the Top Pub in Kyogle.
Having lived between Coorabell and Sydney for two decades working in the corporate world, he has changed his lifestyle and taken on the Commercial Hotel. He lives upstairs at the pub.
“I love hospitality and making people happy,” he said.
Nathan has lived in London, Italy and Buenos Aires and was in London when covid hit.
“I wanted to be with my family,” he said of his move.
His mother is in Ballina and his brother lives in Eureka. The family are used to running pubs.
“They never wanted me to go into pubs. They wanted me to go to university.”
Yet here, he is. And he is thrilled.
“Kyogle is a beautiful hardworking community.”
Nathan spends a lot of his time “on the floor” talking to customers and consulting with staff.
“I love meeting new people and hearing their stories,” he said.
His goal is for everyone to leave the pub with a smile. Work has already begun on the revamp he has planned for the pub.
The front of the Commercial Hotel will be taken back in time to reflect the original Art Deco facade. He is already planning an outdoor deck with sun lounges. The front bar and dining room will be getting a makeover too.
Nathan is keen to buy local and to support other businesses in town – including getting meat supplies from the butcher across the road.
“I’ve chosen this place as my spiritual home,” he said.
“Kyogle has an authenticity.”
This article appeared in the Richmond River Independent, 10 February 2021.
