The iconic Healesville Hotel has been the beating heart of Healesville for over 130 years. This winter, it's finally reopening its doors following a massive renovation. The new owners are the same crew behind Armadale's Orrong Hotel: publicans Matt Vero (Marquis of Lorne, Union House, Mt Erica Hotel) and Scott Connolly (Moore St Tavern). That should give you an idea of the quality we can expect from the new venue. The pair both spent time in the Yarra Valley region throughout their childhoods and fell in love with the pub ages ago. So, when the call went out for new ownership, they jumped at the chance. "Scott and I were really excited at the opportunity to take on another historic icon and restore it to its former glory for all to enjoy. The ethos behind the interior design was to reimagine the Healesville Hotel; to honour its beautiful bones from its past, and restore a sense of nostalgia through the interiors. It is something we are very much looking forward to," says Vero. The hotel will keep its original public bar, bistro and beer garden setup – but the menu will be given a serious revamp, with interiors and exteriors getting the usual 'preserve-heritage-meets-gastro-pub' treatment. Vero and Connolly are presumably hoping this place can rival other Yarra Valley heavy hitters like Four Pillars and Innocent Bystander. And with their experience and pedigree, we wouldn't bet against it. We'll keep you updated on this one as details emerge. Accommodation is currently operating as per usual, but the pub itself should be open in mid-July, so watch this space. Images: supplied.