More Than Just A Pub
“At the Junction, we have always focused on being independent. Our beers are from craft breweries and we own our own taps, we showcase wines from low-yield wineries and our food is from local producers.”
“Plus it’s operated by two passionate women in an industry that’s dominated by men. We think that’s a huge distinction.”
Partners Jackie Mahony and Trina Gilchirst share a love of craft beer, boutique wines, great food and the Newport community.
That’s why they took over The Junction Hotel, a historic 1850s pub in Hall Street Newport, and transformed it into the Junction Beer Hall and Wine Room in 2011.
Jackie and Trina met while working corporate IT jobs but they both maintained a connection with the hospitality industry, creating a boutique tapas restaurant in Seddon called Sabroso.
“We sold Sabroso in 2015 and at the same time we were approached about taking over The Junction,” says Jackie. “We said yes because we wanted a new challenge and at the time when there was a gap in the Western suburbs for a craft beer and boutique wine venue. We thought we could create something unique and meaningful for the area that also matched our combined interests in beer, wine and food.”
The Junction offers a myriad of experiences, housing a lively beer hall and wine room, a more intimate dining space, an expansive beer garden plus function rooms upstairs.
It’s a bustling meeting place for locals and boasts sixteen rotating craft beer taps, a comprehensive wine list of local and international vintages and delicious gastropub fare.
Jackie and Trina love living in Newport and during COVID-19 they have really come to appreciate the close-knit community that supports locals.
“We were doing a takeaway offer for Father’s Day and because our son had been exposed to a Tier 1 site we had to go into isolation for 14 days. At short notice, we closed the entire venue and then I had to call every one of our customers and apologise that we couldn’t fulfil their Father’s Day orders.
“Their response was astounding. Here we were, disappointing them because they couldn’t have a Father’s Day feast, and instead they said ‘Is there anything we can do for you? Can we drop something at your house?’ It was just beautiful, that sense of generosity and community spirit.”
Jackie and Trina are proud that they have built a local’s local to serve their community and they can’t wait to welcome back their regulars for their famous $20 Wednesday Steak Nights which features a 300g steak with a complimentary drink.
“We actually lose money on that offer, but we continue to put it on for the locals. We’re thrilled that The Junction is not just a pub now - it’s a special community hub.”
