A slow and sunny New Year’s Day at The Blackwood Hotel
The Blackwood Hotel is offering a calm and considered way to welcome 2026. It’s New Year’s Day Recovery event takes place on Thursday, 1st January 2026, from 12pm.
Rather than loud music or late nights, the focus is on slowing down. The afternoon encourages guests to relax, reconnect, and enjoy the first day of the year at an easy pace.
A slower start to New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day at The Blackwood Hotel centres on its iconic beer garden. Set beneath the venue’s heritage-listed tree, the space becomes a shaded summer retreat.
Guests can settle in with cold beers, refreshing spritzes, and relaxed background beats. Meanwhile, the laid-back atmosphere makes it easy to stay longer than planned.
Paella in the garden
In addition, the hotel will host a dedicated Paella Tent throughout the afternoon. Fresh plates will be cooked on-site and served straight from the open-air station.
The paella offers a hearty yet simple food option. As a result, it suits long summer afternoons where sharing plates feels natural.
What the event represents
For The Blackwood Hotel, the New Year’s Day Recovery reflects its core values. The venue has long focused on community, comfort, and genuine hospitality.
“For us, the New Year’s Day Recovery captures what The Blackwood Hotel is all about: connection, comfort, and a genuine country welcome. It’s a chance for people to ease into 2026 in a beautiful setting with great food and great company,” says Jerry Dimas, Owner of The Blackwood Hotel.
Bistro dining is also available
However, guests who prefer indoor dining still have options. The Blackwood Hotel’s bistro will operate as usual inside the historic dining room.
The full menu will be available throughout the day. This allows guests to choose between the beer garden and the classic pub setting.
A regional favourite worth visiting
Located in the heart of the Wombat State Forest, The Blackwood Hotel remains a popular destination for food, music, and community events.
Consequently, the New Year’s Day Recovery is expected to draw both locals and visitors. Some treat the pub as a second home. Others discover it for the first time.
Either way, the event offers a gentle reminder. Sometimes the best way to start the year is by slowing down.
Event Details
Date: Thursday 1 January 2026
Time: From 12pm
Location: The Blackwood Hotel, Blackwood, Victoria
Highlights: Beer garden setting, Paella Tent, bistro dining, relaxed music and drinks