The Denmark Hotel, nestled in the picturesque Great Southern region of Western Australia, has officially reopened its doors following a substantial renovation. Among the most exciting new features are The Lodge accommodation and Denmark Drops, a community-centric cellar and bottle shop, both designed to enhance the experience for travelers seeking exceptional food and beverage offerings.
Since its establishment in 1926, this coastal pub has become a beloved cornerstone of the Denmark community. Co-general managers Ryan O’Meara and Andries Mostert emphasized that the renovations were particularly focused on enriching the local experience.
“The Denmark community deserves a venue like this—a welcoming space that serves as a gathering spot for everyone, while also acting as a focal point for visitors to the region,” said Mostert. “This is something that benefits the entire town.”
O’Meara added, “We’re confident that the locals will be thrilled with the upgrades to the Denmark Hotel. We’ve maintained the authentic charm of the pub while elevating our food offerings to create a modern, relaxed dining atmosphere.”
Bar and Bistro
The revamped bar and bistro menus reflect the essence of the Great Southern region, featuring a rotating selection that champions local farmers and producers.
At the helm of the culinary experience is executive chef Ali Osborne, a well-respected figure in Denmark after her time at the popular local café, Mrs. Jones.
“For us, creating food is a labor of love. We are surrounded by pristine land and sea, drawing inspiration daily. Our local farmers provide an incredible array of produce, from first-rate meat and seafood to fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts—all sourced from our own backyard. I’m fortunate to craft fresh, vibrant dishes alongside comforting pub classics, showcasing the best our region has to offer,” Osborne remarked.
Menu highlights include shareable platters such as Denmark lamb koftas and crispy chicken baos, as well as traditional pub staples like chicken schnitzels, gnocchi, beef burgers, scotch fillet, and the classic fish and chips. Desserts and a dedicated kids’ menu round out the offerings.
The Lodge
The six-month renovation transformed the hotel’s previous accommodation into 24 beautifully appointed rooms tailored for the seasonal influx of visitors to the South Coast and surrounding areas.
Options range from The Cozy Room, ideal for couples or solo travelers with its queen bed, to family-friendly accommodations like The River Family Room and The River Family Two-Bedder. The Apartment, with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a kitchenette, can host up to six guests comfortably.
Michael Benson, creative director of Fremantle-based Benson Studio, expressed that the transformations honor the hotel’s original charm while infusing it with contemporary design.
“Each guest room reflects the natural beauty of the region. The color palette draws inspiration from the land and sea, evoking the sandy shores meeting the bush. Our aim was to create relaxed, inviting spaces where guests can unwind without the constraints of formality,” he explained.
“Our first step was to remove the ceilings, cladding, and floors that hid the hotel’s historic character. This unveiled beautiful heritage features like the original balconies, now proudly displayed in the Bar & Bistro, as well as opulent old lighting fixtures and timber floors. This restoration, combined with thoughtful contemporary touches, has created a warm and welcoming environment for all.”
Denmark Drops
Adding another feather to its cap, Denmark Hotel now houses Denmark Drops, a bottle shop brimming with a variety of wines predominantly sourced from local and nearby wineries in the Great Southern region.
Denmark Drops also features a bookable tasting room for a cellar-door experience, doubling as an intimate function space for events.
With a background in viticulture, O’Meara and Mostert are in a prime position to champion the wines of their region within Denmark Drops. O’Meara heads Express Winemakers, producing wines from six vineyards across Denmark, Mount Barker, and Porongurup, while Mostert operates Brave New Wine, focusing on naturally fermented selections.
“As local winemakers, we’re thrilled to promote the Great Southern’s wine producers, alongside local beers, spirits, and ciders,” O’Meara enthused. “Denmark Drops offers an eclectic selection of beverages from Australia and beyond—some unique bottles that are hard to come by in the area. And for those looking to pair their drinks, we also stock locally produced cheeses, small goods, and other delightful snacks from our pantry.”
“Whether you’re in the mood for a refreshing Swan Draught after a long day or seeking an interesting artisan wine to impress your dinner guests, we’ve got you covered,” Mostert added. “Our goal is to provide accessible, trustworthy advice on pairings that cater to every budget and palate.”
With the extensive renovations complete, the Denmark Hotel is gearing up to celebrate its centennial anniversary next year—a testament to its enduring legacy in the heart of Denmark.
