By Bonny Burrows
Parts of the Pakenham Hotel have reopen to the public following a recent arson attack which caused more than $150,000 worth of damage.
A man delivering goods to a nearby cafe notified emergency services of smoke billowing from the Main Street hotel’s roof just before 1.30am on Wednesday 15 November.
Firefighters from four brigades battled to bring the blaze, which was later deemed an arson attack, under control.
Unfortunately, the “extensive damage” to a room on the second floor and hallway meant the local business had to shut up shop while repairs were underway.
Pakenham Hotel owner Brendan Theobald described feeling “overwhelmed and disappointed” upon discovering the attack on his business.
“I’ve been in the hotel business for 30-odd years and I’ve never had to deal with anything like this before,” Mr Theobald said in the wake of the fire.
However, Mr Theobald proved he wouldn’t let such incident get in his way, and nine days later on 24 November, announced the lounge bar and bistro was back up and running.
“The TAB, Sportsbar and Zeppelin Room will be open in another week or so,” Mr Theobald said.
“We are very sorry for any inconvenience and we would really love to see all your smiling faces coming back through the door.”
