Not only is Bendemeer Hotel a gorgeous country pub oozing character, it’s like a second home for its longstanding patrons. That’s what stood out to new owners Leanne and Mark Summers, who took over in February 2021 and gave the hotel a new lease on life. It was clear this pub was something special. The historic rural town of Bendemeer is just a 30-minute drive from Tamworth, and 10 minutes from the top of the Moonbi Pass, making it a picturesque family trip for locals and travellers alike. With cosy country accommodation and delicious bistro meals on offer, “the Bendy Pub”, as it’s fondly referred to, is an inviting place to catch up with friends and maybe even stay a while. After chatting with Leanne, the website tag line “Here, you are family” makes perfect sense. Leanne is a hard worker who is keen to succeed, but first and foremost she loves to connect with and look after people. That’s why it’s also easy to believe that she has wanted to own a country pub ever since she was 15. Now, following a 28-year pharmacy career, Leanne has been able to realise her teenage dream and is in her element, supported by Mark and their team. “We have an incredible team of 17 staff who are all Bendemeer locals and are like family to us,” Leanne says. 

“Without them, and my husband Mark, the pub wouldn’t be what it is today.” The Bendemeer Hotel is beautifully presented, which speaks to the love and care the couple has poured into it. In it, you’ll ind inviting touches, even including furniture from Leanne and Mark’s own home. For those staying overnight, 12 attractive hotel rooms are on offer: seven with en suites and five pub rooms, along with an additional self-contained ground-level flat. Lockable garages on site are a major drawcard for those with motorbikes and can be used at no extra cost.

The pub’s reputation for excellent beer can be credited to Mark, who religiously cleans the beer lines every Friday night. The couple is a real team: Mark has a full-time job but works in the hotel every evening and on weekends. Meanwhile, Leanne can be found busily tending to her patrons on any given day.

But hospitality wasn’t always Leanne’s cup of tea. On Leanne’s 50th birthday, Mark took her to dinner at Tamworth’s Powerhouse restaurant, which inspired her to ask about a possible job there. What started as a part-time evening role at the Powerhouse after a full day working in pharmacy, finished up with Leanne overseeing the five-star restaurant. “We’ve worked very hard over the years to be able to buy a hotel of our own, and I’ve never lost sight of my goal. I’ve always loved this sort of thing – looking after people and making a truly memorable, homely space,” Leanne says. “It’s my passion to have the hotel beautiful and accommodating for our customers. To me, hospitality is all about customer service – rolling out the red carpet for them and creating that ‘wow’ factor.”

This approach to doing business might just be why patrons flocked through the doors of the “Bendy Pub” once Leanne and Mark took over. In just three days, business tripled, but the impact of COVID-19 since saw the pub come through some trying times, including two forced closures. Now, it’s onwards and upwards for the hotel, which hosts a range of fabulous events and entertainment including monthly “paint and sip” sessions and local musical talent.

“There are many families in our town who have had multiple generations coming to this hotel. It’s like a lifeline for the Bendemeer community. Mark and I very quickly learnt how important this hotel was to its patrons, and it’s a privilege to know they’ve trusted us with it.” There’s no wonder people continue to visit and stay here, many after 30 years of patronage at the Bendemeer Hotel. It’s where hospitality and a sense of family come together in the most perfect way possible– and with Leanne and Mark at the helm, this is surely just the beginning.

– Regional Lifestyle Magazine