1967 Hotelier and Barmaid Scandal

The Victoria Hotel, originally known as Boyd’s Hotel, has one of the most talked-about stories in Canowindra’s history. In 1967, the hotel unexpectedly closed after its publican reportedly left town with the barmaid. According to local legend, the pair abandoned their former lives to begin a new one together in Melbourne, creating a story that has been shared by generations of locals ever since.

With the hotel suddenly without anyone to run it, another memorable chapter unfolded. Local shearers, unwilling to let the remaining stock go to waste, gathered each evening to enjoy the drinks left behind. Rather than rushing, they took their time, returning night after night until every last drop had been consumed—a process said to have taken nearly three weeks.

Adding to the legend, the shearers carefully locked the hotel every evening before heading home, making sure no one else could help themselves to the remaining supplies. Whether every detail is fact or folklore, the story has become part of Canowindra’s rich collection of local legends and adds to the unique character of the historic Old Vic.