Landmark restaurant in Melbourne’s north east sells up

FURNITURE, kitchen appliances and an original Melbourne tram from the iconic Wellers of Kangaroo Ground restaurant have gone under the hammer.

The 8,760 sq m restaurant was sold to new owners last November for $1.675 million.

The Diamond Valley Leader understands, despite being sold with a new 10-year lease for Wellers, the new owners and tenant could not come to an arrangement.

HAVE YOUR SAY: What will you miss about Wellers of Kangaroo Ground? Tell us below.

Wellers of Kangaroo Ground placed items such as distinctive blackboards, tables, chairs and signage for auction on graysonline.com between 9am and 3.45pm on June 23.

Nillumbik Shire Mayor Helen Coleman, who had her wedding reception at the city’s landmark restaurant, said she was “saddened to hear an icon of the region” close down.

Support flooded in through the Wellers of Kangaroo Ground Facebook page from customers and former staff members.

Michael Rigby wrote: “My wife Claire and I will be saddened to lose the venue we chose over many others to have our Wedding. Every year to date we have had dinner at Wellers on our anniversary and it is sad to think that we will no longer be able to maintain this tradition until we’re both very old and grey.”

Melinda Costa wrote: “It was a massive part of my life. I spent most of my working life there working for all but one owner. It has also given a lot of work to school leavers and uni kids in the local community and helped shape them into adulthood … the history of it is amazing.”

Ian Moss was scheduled to play at the venue but the show has since been relocated to Potters Cottage in Warrandyte.

Leader has sought comment from Wellers of Kangaroo Ground.

Source: Leader Brittany Shanahan   23rd June 2015