In the heart of Queensland’s fertile Scenic Rim, where the Great Dividing Range dips its hat to the plains and tradition still has a firm handshake, a grand old dame of Aussie hospitality has been coaxed back to life—taps flowing, kitchen humming, and a family’s dream fermenting into something truly special.

The Ghanem Group—those quietly determined custodians of Queensland’s culinary soul—has breathed new life into Boonah’s heritage-listed Commercial Hotel and introduced the town’s very own craft brewery: the Boonah Brewing Co. (BBCo).

Today marks not just a reopening, but a heartfelt resurrection.

Cheers to the Past, with a Fresh Pour for the Future

Initially built in 1905, the Commercial Hotel isn’t just bricks and mortar—it’s part of Boonah’s heartbeat. Locals call it “the Commie.” It’s been a steady backdrop to clinking glasses, reunion hugs, family feeds, and the occasional toe-tapping bush dance for generations.

Now, she’s gleaming again. Respectfully restored, with all her charm intact and a few new tricks up her sleeve.

Gone are the days of tired carpet and faded wallpaper. The bistro’s had a gentle facelift, fresh lighting bathes the rooms, and accessibility upgrades ensure no one’s left behind. The air-conditioning is merciful (especially in a Queensland summer), and the new beer garden, now open, peers lovingly back at the working brewery, where the good stuff’s brewed right on-site.

The upstairs accommodation is currently under full renovation and set to open by late 2025. It promises a boutique escape for Scenic Rim travellers who’d like their nightcap served within stumbling distance of their pillow.

Brewed with Gumption and Family Values

At the heart of this renaissance is not just hospitality, but heritage. The Ghanem family, already renowned across Queensland for their culinary ventures, isn’t chasing trends for trend’s sake. They’ve got skin in the game—literally. Their farm in nearby Tarome provides the spring water used in brewing, and the leftover grain? That goes back to the cattle. It’s the kind of full-circle operation that would make any country grandmother proud.

The new brewery is already pouring two handcrafted creations: a robust mid-strength ale brewed with a medley of Aussie and Euro hops, and a punchy alcoholic ginger beer that will become a Boonah signature.

And that’s just the beginning.

More brews are coming: an Aussie XPA hopped with Galaxy, an Italian lager made with heirloom barley, a crisp rice lager, and even a hard lemonade for those less beer-inclined. Seasonal and specialty pours will follow, all made on-site and—at least for now—available exclusively at the hotel and brewery.

Eventually, the BBCo brews will find their way to other Ghanem Group venues and bottle shops, but the Commercial Hotel is the only place to raise a glass now.

A Bistro That’s No Afterthought

You’d be forgiven for thinking the food might take a back seat to the beer. Not so. Executive Chef Jake Nicolson, a stalwart of Queensland kitchens, has crafted a menu that pays tribute to the classics while giving them a distinctly Scenic Rim twist.

Yes, there are your pub favourites, but they are elevated. House-made Hake Fish Fingers, Slow-Cooked Lamb Shank Pot Pie, and Tandoori Duck Curry sit proudly alongside Detroit-style deep-pan pizzas, burgers, salads, and what they’re calling “Commie Classics”—a tongue-in-cheek nod to the hotel’s nickname that’s sure to have locals grinning.

Jake, ever the understated maestro, says:

“We’ve kept the essence of traditional pub fare but lifted it with a bit of flair. These dishes pair beautifully with the BBCo beers—we wanted to create something comforting, but exciting.”

Heritage Isn’t Just Restored. It’s Celebrated.

Director Adonis Ghanem, who’s led the charge with quiet passion and a deep respect for the community, says the restoration is about more than aesthetics. It’s about reconnecting with Boonah’s heartbeat.

“To restore a property that’s so precious to locals, and to add to the region’s already unique getaways and food-and-drink offerings with the creation of Boonah Brewing Co, is something we are very passionate about,” he said.

“The Commercial Hotel Boonah is central to the fabric of this community and will continue to be so. BBCo beers are pouring, and we invite everyone to come along, pull up a stool at the bar, or table in the beer garden, and enjoy the autumn sunshine, cold beers, and bistro menu this weekend.”

In a time when soulless renovations and cookie-cutter chain pubs are becoming all too common, the Ghanem Group’s approach is refreshing. This isn’t a hospitality reboot—it’s a love letter to rural Queensland, penned in hops, hospitality, and heart.

Scenic Rim Tourism Gets a Boost

The Scenic Rim, already lauded for its farm-to-table ethos, breathtaking drives, and rustic stays, now has another drawcard. A restored heritage hotel pouring local brews and serving regionally-inspired dishes? That’s destination-worthy.

So, if you’re heading through Boonah, don’t just pass by. Pull over—Park under the jacarandas. Walk through the swinging pub doors. Chances are, you’ll hear the comforting hum of old stories mingling with new beginnings—and the unmistakable fizz of a fresh pint.

Because at the Commercial Hotel Boonah, history doesn’t just live on. It’s on tap.

🔗 Visit: www.commercialhotelboonah.com.au.

By Christine Nguyen

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