Josh Harris

NEW owners have brought with them big plans for the National Park Hotel.

Ami and Tony Besson are just over a month into life as the new proprietors of the Hotel, just past Mt. Field, and they are already creating big waves. With Ami from a background of psychotherapy and Tony working as a shot blaster, the running of a regional pub and hotel is a new experience for the couple.

Opening the doors to the pub on May 7 after taking over just a week before, the change of scenery was a big draw for the couple. Having made the move from Queensland, via a three-year stint in Melbourne, the opportunity to get closer to nature became a greater priority when the couple were caught up in the COVID lockdowns.
“With everything going on in Melbourne last year, it propelled us to revaluating our value systems, what is it that we wanted with our life, and what we wanted to create for ourselves,” Ms Besson said.
“We had lived in the city, but we wanted to be closer to nature, we had always loved Tasmania and always thought we would end up here, but with all the stuff going on, it pushed our plans forward ten years.”

Ami and Tony are already implementing their plans to redevelop their pub to their own vision, as a vibrant local meeting point. Renovations on bathrooms are underway, plans are drawn for a redeveloped dining room and the rooms are getting a deserved touch up, but the community is the real draw for the redevelopment.
“As I see it, we are just custodians of this pub, we want to make it the best we can while we are in control and keep it as an important hub for the community,” Ms Besson said.

The National Park Hotel is open again and ready for the winter, with Sunday Sessions, live music and meals back up and running.