Raising the Bar for Family Fun

Mackay is buzzing with excitement as two dynamic business couples, Mark and Nicole Laffin and Ben and Rebecca Phillips, join forces to breathe new life into the historic Hotel Mackay. Located on the corner of Victoria and Wellington Streets, this iconic pub is set for a transformation that promises to make it one of Mackay’s best family hotels and entertainment venues, complete with delicious food and a vibrant atmosphere.

With roots in the pub industry, both couples understand the importance of family traditions. Nicole’s family once managed McGuires Hotel, where she was born, making her connection to hospitality deeply personal.

“It makes for an interesting talking point on my birth certificate,” Nicole shared.

“While people traditionally think of hotels as being watering holes and places to connect with mates, they are also places where families gather to share stories, laughter, and life’s milestones; and for some, they are their home.”

Ben Phillips, head of Gardian Finance and a director of Gardian Group, shares this enthusiasm for community connections. Raised in the Leichhardt Hotel, which his family managed for decades, Ben fondly recalls the bonds formed with patrons.

“The customers became like family,” he says.

Mark has spent a significant part of his career managing various pubs along the Queensland coast, where he gained invaluable expertise in hospitality operations. His culinary passion shines through as co-owner of Laffo’s Bar & Pizzeria, where they craft hearty, family-friendly meals that have become a local favourite.

The idea to purchase Hotel Mackay was a spontaneous conversation over breakfast at Laffo’s.

“I casually asked Mark if he’d be interested in buying a pub,” Ben recalls. “Before I knew it, he was already checking it out!” With both men sensing that the pub wasn’t operating at its full potential, they quickly negotiated a deal before the property even hit the market, officially taking ownership on August 12, 2024.

As renovations are well underway, excitement is building in the community. The vision for the new Hotel Mackay revolves around creating a warm and welcoming space for families to celebrate everything from 18th and 21st birthdays to engagement parties and hens’ nights.

“We want to be the place where locals come to create lasting memories,” Mark explains.

The revamped hotel will feature a dynamic beer garden with a stage for live performances, making it Mackay’s premier outdoor venue, capturing touring bands to attract some big acts to Mackay.

Inside, the renovation will blend heritage and modern comfort, showcasing an art deco vibe with open spaces, a family-friendly restaurant and upstairs accommodation. The restaurant will offer a range of hearty meals, from succulent steaks to delicious pasta dishes, ensuring that families can enjoy good food without breaking the bank.

“Our goal is to become the go-to spot for great steak in Mackay!” says Nicole.

In honour of Ben’s late brother Peter, the venue will also feature Puffa’s Sports Bar. A tribute to Peter’s competitive spirit and legacy in rugby league, the bar will be adorned with memories of Puffa, celebrating his contributions to the local sports scene.

“We want it to feel like a place where people can gather to enjoy sport on the big screen and reminisce,” Ben adds.

“This is about more than just a pub; it’s about building a place that embodies the spirit of our community,” Nicole added.

With a vision for the grand re-opening in mid-2025 and a shared vision for a family-friendly future, Mark, Nicole, Ben, and Rebecca are ready to bring a fresh take to this historic pub, proving that the heart of Mackay truly beats in its vibrant community.

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