Annie Mahon with Jan and Paul Phillips.
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Dive into the heart of the Goulburn Valley’s culinary scene with Jan and Paul Phillips. Every Friday, the pair will serve our readers with their knowledge of our communities’ restaurants, cafés and pubs — one plate at a time.
Seven Creeks staff member Candice Pratt.
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Nestled between Shepparton, Seymour and Benalla, at the gateway to the stunning Strathbogie Hills, Euroa is a town steeped in history and charm.
Its ancient heart still beats with nostalgia, where heritage buildings stand as enduring reminders of its rich past.
It’s a joy to write about the beautiful Seven Creeks Hotel and reflect on the bounty this gorgeous rural town has to offer.
As the French philosopher Michel de Montaigne once mused, “There is no doubt wit and good talk flourish at a good table, where fine company and hearty fare bring minds and spirits to life.”
Montaigne, known for his essays on life, society and human nature, frequently wrote about the pleasures of conversation, dining and the art of living well.
Nothing could be truer than sitting in the beautiful beer garden of the Seven Creeks Hotel, discussing life, love and history with the La Belle Patronne of hospitality, Annie Mahon.
Annie is an extraordinary woman — dynamic, elegant and deeply connected within the industry and her local community.
No single title seems to do justice to her accomplishments.
As we sat together on a beautiful Friday afternoon, she regaled us with stories involving her and her late husband, Harry Murphy.
Their legacy in the hospitality world is remarkable — they owned and ran establishments such as the Carlton Lemon Tree Hotel, the Lord Newry Hotel and the Alphington Wine Bar, among others.
Annie proudly recalled that, in its heyday, the Alphington Wine Bar sold well over 200 dozen bottles of non-vintage champagne per year — arguably outselling any other wine bar in Australia.
As we reminisced about industry figures and shared stories, she reached for her phone and, without hesitation, speed-dialled Ian Hewitson of Last Aussie Fishcaf fame, one of Australia’s early celebrity chefs, to check a story she was telling us.
The Seven Creeks Hotel itself continues Annie’s legacy of excellence.
It was recently named one of Victoria’s top 10 country pubs as a food and destination venue by The Age's Richard Cornish — a well-deserved accolade.
However, Annie’s greatest pride lies in her children, Finn and Jane, who continue the family tradition, working at the charming North Eastern Hotel and the historic Seven Creeks Hotel.
Another family venture, Temple, offers an intriguing blend of Mexican and Italian flavours, making it a must-visit dining spot in Euroa.
Our own dining experience at the Seven Creeks Hotel was nothing short of exceptional.
We began with a shared plate of salt and pepper squid served with Asian slaw and wasabi mayonnaise.
For mains, we savoured a simple yet delicious chicken salad, alongside melt-in-your-mouth pork belly with cauliflower purée, red cabbage and rocket salad.
Euroa is a place where history, hospitality and fine dining intertwine, and the Seven Creeks Hotel is at its heart.
Spending an afternoon with Annie Mahon, absorbing her stories and wisdom, was a privilege — one that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of this remarkable town.
Food pricing for Seven Creeks Hotel, rated by Jan and Paul: $$
(Expensive $$$, moderate $$, good value $).
Light, crispy and packed with flavour — this salt and pepper calamari with a side coleslaw is a must-try.
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Simple ingredients, big flavours — this chicken salad is a winner.
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Succulent pork belly with red cabbage and cauliflower purée.
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The dining room at Seven Creeks.
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