Criterion Hotel

The picturesque town of Finch Hatton is situated in the foothills of the Eungella Ranges, a leisurely one hour drive through the scenic Pioneer Valley west of Mackay. Finch Hatton is well known for great bushwalking tracks amongst the rainforests at the “Gorge”, where you’ll find breathtaking waterfalls. If you ask one of the friendly locals for directions you are sure to find a number of other beautiful swimming holes. The best place to find those friendly locals is at the Criterion Hotel, located in the main street next to the newly renovated town park.

Owners, Bob and Karen Collyer are well known identities in the Pioneer Valley having previously owned the Pinnacle Pub. They are synonymous with the successful promotion of the famous Pinnacle Pie, listed as one of the top 150 things to do and see in Queensland during their management. They have now focused their hard work and culinary creativity on the Criterion Hotel and over the past three years it has transformed into a welcoming hub for locals and tourists alike.

Along with the usual pub offerings, seven beers on-tap and an extensive lunch and dinner menu Bob and Karen have improved the dining experience for visitors to the iconic Pioneer Valley Pub, as a breakfast and all-day morning-tea menu is now available.

The vast breakfast menu is available Saturday and Sunday mornings from 8:00am till 10:00am with offerings like eggs benedict, bacon and egg muffins, crepes and the delicious Cane Cutters Breakfast consisting of steak, eggs, bacon, fried tomato, toast and Maltese sausages (made locally by Ryan at Mirani Meats) there is sure to be a dish to satisfy all tastes.

The all day morning tea menu is available everyday and can be enjoyed in the outdoor garden whilst watching the kids play safely in the fully fenced park. A selection of five delicious muffins, toasted banana and walnut bread, ham and cheese croissants and Devonshire tea is complimented by freshly brewed Vittoria coffee, tea, hot chocolate and juices that would rival any city café for choice.

The unique “S” shaped bar at the Criterion Hotel is busiest on Friday nights when various community groups raise funds from the sale of meat tray raffles, thanks to Mirani Meats. The noisy jingle of pokie machines or keno screens won’t be found in Bob’s bar, preferably the walls are lined with various boards for the local footy tipping competition, the RACQ helicopter lucky number fundraiser, community notices, darts and sporting memorabilia that all true Queenslanders would love to see.

There is also plenty to see in the dining room as it is lined with a photograph gallery recounting historical moments and local identities along with original artworks by local artists Jenni Hanna, Lesley Kane and Lisa Roebig Holmes. There is a variety of ten pizzas in two sizes, pasta and seafood dishes, huge crumbed steaks and Karen’s signature lamb shanks offer great variety to diners at great value prices. Karen is renowned for her catering abilities and has outsourced herself for many parties and Valley weddings.

Like all good country pubs, take-away and telephone orders are welcome, and for overnight stays The Criterion offers eight rooms that can accommodate singles, couples or families. Bob, Karen and their friendly staff love their community and promote local enterprise which is why you will find the award winning Lipsy’s spicy sauce and the Neem Hall’s range of therapeutic neem oil products proudly displayed behind the bar.

Bob and Karen invite you to call into the Criterion Hotel next time you’re visiting the beautiful Pioneer Valley, and after a delicious meal and few cold drinks (or a hot cuppa) they will happily point you in the right direction for a great day out in the valley.
Open every day from 10:00am, call in or phone 49 583 252. Find us on Facebook – Criterion Hotel Finch Hatton.
Words by Lisa Roebig Holmes.