The hotel in Lyonville is now open for business

I forgot to mention before, the old Radio Springs Hotel in Lyonville which at once time was either part- or fully-owned by one-time radio jock now recently-retired from 3AW Ernie Sigley & that has been inoperative since about 1980 (it was converted to a residence in the meantime) has just re-opened after an 11-year struggle with the local council as a Hotel and Bed-&-Breakfast (http://www.radiospringshotel.com.au/ - that looks like my car in the foreground, but apparently it isn't - different dings). They have an Italian chef & the food is excellent, but be wary of the wine, it's very good but not cheap by a long shot, & the publican seems as though he might have shares in the local wineries by the eager way he encourages you to try each of the many varieties of the local Macedon Ranges & Hepburn Springs vintages. The bar reminds me of an old English-style pub, slightly cramped but very cosy. The restaurant areas are spacious enough with a beautiful open fireplace in one of them, & there's also an al fresco beer-garden-type area for the long-suffering smokers.

CofO at last!

Finally received my "Certificate Of Occupancy" on 27th May 2009, some 5 years 2 months after first submitting an application for a planning permit - thanks to recalcitrant Shire administrators and ridiculous neighbours.