Every bite tells a story | Tunes and tastes at the Murch East Pub

They create a space where life slows down, laughter echoes and everyone — from weary travellers to lifelong locals — feels part of something special.

Paul (known as Goldie), Emilia and their son Mitch began their publican journey in the region at the Top Pub in Nagambie as leaseholders.

When the opportunity arose to own their own pub, they stayed in the area and took over the Railway Hotel — fondly known as the East.

Goldie and Emilia made their mark, building a business that has navigated its share of peaks and challenges over the years.

Running a country pub isn’t for everyone, but for Goldie, Emilia and Mitch, it has been a rewarding success.

Fully immersed in the local region, particularly the Murchison community, they have established themselves as outstanding publicans.

Goldie and Mitch brought energy, charisma and the essence of true hospitality to the front of house, while Emilia ran the kitchen with skill and care.

The Murch East Pub was built in 1880 and originally named ‘Samuel Parkin’s Railway Terminus Hotel’.

Once recognised as one of the most comfortable hotels in the Goulburn Valley, it welcomed travellers of all backgrounds with quality accommodation, excellent stabling, a secure paddock and ample water.

While the need for stabling has long since faded, the commitment to comfort and hospitality remains.

Patrons continue to be welcomed with warm hospitality, cold beers on tap, delicious food and a vibrant atmosphere.

Regular live music and entertainment bring people together, ensuring the East remains a beloved gathering place.

Beyond providing a great venue, Goldie, Emilia and Mitch have been dedicated supporters of the local community — helping fundraise for local schools, the football and netball club, and various service organisations.

Their impact extends far beyond the pub itself.

One of the East’s defining features has been its commitment to live music.

Goldie proudly recalled that in November 2018, a local remarked on how special it was to have ARIA Award-winning bands such as Mental as Anything performing in the area.

From that moment, he knew he was on to something special.

Over the years, the East hosted an impressive line-up, including Ross Wilson, The Chantoozies, The Black Sorrows with Joe Camilleri, Reece Mastin (X-Factor winner), Adam Brand, Brian Mannix (Uncanny X-Men) and Scott Carne (Kids in the Kitchen).

Tribute bands such as Whispering Jack also graced the stage, along with local favourites Midnight Echo’s from Kyabram and Shane’s Party Club (SPC), featuring Murchison legend John Buckworth, John O’Sullivan (Johnny Rockstar) and the exceptionally talented Shane Muir.

The grand finale of Goldie and Emilia’s time at the East was a night to remember.

The dance floor was packed, and in the middle of it all, dancing up a storm, was Goldie himself.

We were fortunate to be there for this special farewell — the food was excellent, with Emilia busy in the kitchen, and Goldie out front, enjoying every moment while bidding farewell to the community he had served so well.

Goldie was highly complimentary of the new owners, assuring everyone that the warmth, hospitality, great food and traditions of the East would continue.

He wished them well, and we do too.

The food at the Murch East Pub is terrific, with a varied menu that caters to most dietary preferences.

On the night of Goldie and Emilia’s send-off, the meals were slightly limited due to the large crowd and outdoor setting, but the quality remained high.

Our group enjoyed steak sandwiches, steak with chips and salad, fish tails with chips and salad, and a traditional pub parma.

It was a fantastic value-for-money night — great food, live music, good friends, a return bus trip and a memorable farewell for wonderful publicans.

Food pricing for Murch east Pub , rated by Jan and Paul: $$

(Expensive $$$, moderate $$, good value $).