For the first time in nearly 140 years, the Royal Standard Hotel in Toora, a small town approximately 2.5 hours southeast of Melbourne, will not be serving its patrons during the summer months. This historic Gippsland pub, a cornerstone of the community since 1889, has been closed since February 2025, leaving residents without a beloved gathering place.
The closure follows the liquidation of the business by the previous publican, a move that has left the pub’s owner, Mr. Darby, feeling powerless. “It makes me feel helpless that I haven’t been able to do anything because my hands have been tied by a lot of different government and private entities,” Mr. Darby lamented.
A Difficult Road for the Royal Standard Hotel
Mr. Darby, who owns the pub’s building and land, has faced numerous challenges in recent years. After the pub’s closure, he reported losing approximately $50,000 worth of stock. The venue has remained empty, compounded by a series of unfortunate events, including a severe storm in September 2024 that caused significant structural damage.
In mid-2025, a council inspection deemed the building unsafe, further delaying any plans to reopen. Ongoing insurance disputes have only added to the complexity of the situation, with repair costs remaining a contentious issue. “It’s the busy season, which is crazy that it’s shut; I was hoping it would’ve been opened months ago,” Mr. Darby expressed.
Impact on the Toora Community
The pub’s closure has resonated deeply within the Toora community. Local resident Morgan Cripps described the sight of the pub surrounded by restrictive fencing as a “shock” and an “eyesore.” For Cripps, whose grandparents once owned the hotel, the pub’s absence is felt both personally and historically. “They’d be turning in their graves knowing that it’s closed,” he said.
Long-time resident Trevor Mack emphasized the pub’s multifaceted role in the community. “It’s not just a watering hole. It’s our restaurant, our accommodation, our entertainment venue,” Mack explained. “Especially this time of year, the pub is alive. Sometimes even locals have to book to get a table.”
Economic and Social Repercussions
The closure has also impacted local businesses, such as the bakery owned by Anne Roussac-Hoyne. “I think everyone understands how important a pub is to a town’s life,” she noted. Despite investing heavily in her bakery, Roussac-Hoyne has struggled to find someone to manage the business, leaving another key community fixture in limbo.
Toora resident Jennifer Marchington expressed her longing for the pub’s reopening. “I had to ask somebody what was going on, and they said to me ‘the pub’s closed’, and I couldn’t fathom why,” she shared.
Looking Ahead: Hope for Restoration
Despite the challenges, there remains a glimmer of hope among the locals that the Royal Standard Hotel will eventually reopen, restored and repaired. The Australian Hotels Association Victoria’s general manager of corporate and public affairs, Matt Dawson, highlighted the broader significance of pubs in communities. “From sporting clubs to schools, Victoria’s pubs donate nearly $30 million a year to community groups each year,” Dawson stated.
For now, the Royal Standard Hotel stands silent, its doors locked and its future uncertain. Yet, the spirit of Toora’s residents remains unbroken, as they eagerly await the day when they can once again gather at their cherished local pub.
