Patrons say goodbye to Peter Lalor Hotel as doors close for final time

It was a call for last drinks at Peter Lalor Hotel on Saturday.

Regulars flocked to the pub to say goodbye to the popular venue before the doors closed for the final time.

The Peter Lalor Hotel (Photo : Wikimedia)

Anne Fithall-Jones could be Peter Lalor’s number one fan and Saturday was the end of more than just her favourite pub.

For the past four years you could often find Ms Fithall-Jones behind the microphone or relaxed at the bar with other patrons who had become like a family to the 48-year-old.

She even received Peter Lalor’s first patron membership.

“This place has so many memories,” she said.

She said it was the one place she could come and know she would leave feeling happy.

“Being older, I felt welcome and at home; I never felt my age. And the karaoke got me out of the house.

“I’m going to miss knowing I could come in and know everyone.”

Ballarat’s Louise Taylor shared much of the same thoughts. 

She even wore black as a symbol of mourning for the closure of her favourite local pub.

“I’ve been coming here since 2004 ... I even met my partner here and we’ve been together ever since,” she said.

“The reason we love it so much is that the guys have established such a welcome place for everyone.

“To know today (Saturday) is going to be the last time it’s going to be known as the Peter Lalor is sad.”

Others had travelled from as far as Gordon and Mount Egerton for the day of live music, sausage sizzles and karaoke.

Source : The Courier  Alicia Thomas January 11th 2015