Their hallowed haunt - The Pub With No Beer - has been saved from demise and is in safe (and local) hands.

It has been reported to the Guardian News by multiple sources that without the quick actions of Joanne Nelson - who came on as interim manager in December- the Pub would have lived up to its name, with no beer and closed doors.

In January the now pokie-less freehold to the Pub was sold for a song (much less than the half a mil asking price) to Steve Divall and Steve Hayes, who also own the Bellbrook and Frederickton freeholds.

And two weeks ago new licensee Rob Pawsey stepped behind the bar for the first time.

Born and raised in Bowraville, Rob has made his name in the local community as a butcher.

But he's not without experience behind a bar - he worked in the Pub a decade ago, and also had a stint at Bonsers.

He'd heard on the grapevine about the battle to keep the Pub open.

"I don't know what they would have done - this place is everything to people out here," he said.

But Rob said he did not intentionally set out to help save the Pub. Still, he's "pretty proud" to have had a hand in preserving a local icon.

"All my life I've wanted to own a pub - it's a sort of boyhood dream. When this came up I just thought the time was right," he said.

Rob was hoping to buy the freehold but was pipped at the post.

Should the two Steves ever decide to sell, Rob would be only too happy to take it off their hands.

His first two weeks have been a baptism of fire, with some big crowds at the Sunday live music sessions, and a full house at the wake for a beloved local.

Rob said he's hoping to keep that momentum, with a focus on bringing good music in for 'Sunday Seshes', and a dream of using the outdoor stage for a mini music muster one day.

He's also hoping to marry his two jobs together, stocking his own beef biltong at the bar, and introducing his flavoured sausages and rissoles into the restaurant menu.

There are also ideas to turn former owner Murray Howe's old brewing shed into a play area for kids with ping pong and pool tables.

"And we'll also probably get rid of most of Murray's beers and restock the classic mainstream brands that the locals love, with a few boutique beers for tourists," he said.

"We're just wanting to look after the community, and so far they seem pretty happy to have a local running their Pub."

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