ABOVE: The Lunatic’s new publican Phil Small, left, with Richie Norris and Nicky Small and their children. Photo: Contributed
Susanna Freymark
For 14 years Phil Small mustered cattle on a 20,000ha property at Drake.
After a hard day’s work, he liked nothing better than having a “couple of cold beers” at the Lunatic Hotel.
He liked it so much, that he now owns and runs the pub at Drake.
When Phil told his solicitor he was buying The Lunatic, his solicitor laughed, thinking the name was an April Fool’s joke.
Phil has had some pub experience. He managed the Northern Rivers Hotel in Lismore for a few years.
“But I’ve never owned one,” Phil said.
He has help. His daughter Nicky Small and his son-in-law Richie Norris are pitching in at The Lunatic.
Nicky is good on the computer and is setting up the accounts, Phil said.
Phil bought The Lunatic to get it going again.
“I could see what could happen here,” he said.
“The place was a bit rundown.”
Phil wants the pub to be a friendly place for locals to gather.
The kitchen opened today, Wednesday, April 13.
“There is a new menu and new cook,” Phil said.
If you’re in Drake, pop into The Lunatic, and yes, Phil is keeping the name, and have a cold beer.
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