Morning Star Hotel
Meet Stephen from Morning Star Hotel, a quintessential local gastro-pub here in the heart of Williamstown.
After taking over around 15 months ago, Stephen and the team breathed new life into the historic venue, transforming it into a warm, welcoming place where locals come together to share a meal, a drink and a story.
Tell us a bit about the Morning Star Hotel
The Morning Star has been part of the community since the early 1900s and is one of the longest-trading pubs in the area. We took over about 15 months ago and have been absolutely thrilled with how it’s going. The support we’ve received from the local community has been incredible.
How many people work here?
We employ between 40-50 people.
What do you love most about running the Morning Star?
It’s definitely the hospitality side of it. I love chatting with people, and in this industry you meet people from all walks of life - that’s something I really enjoy. We’ve created a space where people can come together, connect and share stories over a meal or a drink. Seeing people genuinely enjoying themselves is pretty special.
How does your business support other local businesses and/or the local community?
Thursday nights are Locals Night at the Morning Star. We run a members’ happy hour and a meat raffle, which is always great fun. The meat for the raffle comes from a local butcher, and the proceeds go towards funding local groups. Off the top of my head, we’ve supported the Williamstown and Newport Lacrosse Clubs, the Willy Legends Football Club, and plenty more.
We also source local produce wherever possible and are part of the Shuck Don’t Chuck initiative — an oyster shell recycling program that helps restore marine habitats across the bay.
What's a story you can share?
All pubs have their stories, but just recently a woman came in for dinner and told me her 20-year-old daughter had been in earlier for lunch. Then later that afternoon, her son came by with his kids and spent time in the beer garden. I love that we’ve become a place that caters to all generations — in one day, almost an entire family had visited. That's really stuck with me.
What's your proudest achievement or milestone?
Creating a place that feels like a local corner store for the community. The patronage and support we’ve received has been overwhelming. Williamstown can feel like a country town at times, and we’ve been blown away by how warmly the locals have embraced us.
What's your favourite dish here?
It has to be the Scotch egg — our head chef is Scottish, so it’s a good one. The menu changes all the time, but I also can’t go past a good steak. At the moment, I’m loving the heirloom tomato and olive tart too.
Ok, give us your local tips. Where do you like to shop?
I like supporting independent retailers and really enjoy the craft market at Commonwealth Reserve and the Williamstown Farmers Market. It’s great seeing new produce and meeting new traders.
Where would we find you on the weekends?
Probably somewhere around the water - either around Williamstown or Altona beach. Otherwise, you'll find me on the basketball court with friends.
What's the best Valentine's Day present you've ever received?
It's my first Valentine's Day with my new partner, so the best is yet to come!
If you needed a last-minute Valentine's gift, where would you get it from and what would it be?
Jewellery always goes down well. I'd probably call my friend who runs a pop-up store at markets and ask her to make a bracelet or necklace.
What would you like to get for Valentine's Day?
Valentines Day falls on a Saturday this year, so I am hoping I'll get the day off (hehe). I'm not one for physical gifts - it's more about spending time together. A low-key dinner with someone special would be perfect.
Location
3 Electra Street, Williamstown
Contact
Hello@morningstarhotel.com.au
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