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The Legacy of The Witch Hotel

Welcome to The Witch Hotel, a place where history and innovation come together to create an extraordinary experience. Our journey began long before we became The Witch, back when this beloved establishment was known as The Coronation Hotel—a cornerstone of the West Ipswich community.

The transformation includes a craft beer bar showcasing local brews, a versatile function space, and refurbished motel units, offering modern comfort with a touch of home.

Paying homage to its musical roots, The Witch plans to host diverse acts, enriching the local entertainment scene.

Committed to the community, the owners have steered away from gaming, focusing on creating a welcoming environment for all.

The Coronation Hotel: A Community Pillar

The story of The Witch Hotel is deeply rooted in the rich history of Ipswich. A hotel has stood at the corner of Brisbane and Tiger Streets since at least 1864, originally known as The Bull’s Head. In 1911, it was renamed The Coronation Hotel, a name it carried proudly for over a century. The Coronation Hotel was more than just a place to grab a drink; it was a gathering spot for the community. It hosted the West End Swimming Club, which was established there in 1914, and it was a popular starting point for bicycle road races, with clubs like the Newtown Wheelers frequently meeting at the pub.


In 1985, the McLean family took over the Coronation Hotel, with Jeff and Carmel McLean at the helm. They successfully built the pub into a thriving business and a beloved local landmark. However, around 2000, after Jeff stepped away, the pub faced challenges under a series of managers. In 2009, the McLean family, led by Jeff’s children, David and Bridget, took back control, determined to restore the pub to its former glory. Tragically, Jeff passed away in August 2009 after a courageous battle with cancer. Despite their efforts and success in reviving the pub, the family eventually realized it was time for a major decision. After much reflection, they decided to sell the lease, while retaining ownership of the building as a valuable family asset.

For the McLean family, this decision was filled with mixed emotions—relief, joy, and sadness. Bridget, who had always dreamed of running the pub since she was a little girl, found it particularly difficult to say goodbye to the life they had built. Yet, they knew it was the right time to step back and allow new energy and ideas to take the pub forward.

The Rebirth: From Coronation to The Witch

In 2021, Ray Smith and Ron Oatley, two seasoned pub owners, decided to bring new life to the dormant Coronation Hotel. After a brief period of semi-retirement, they saw an opportunity to revive this cherished venue and reintroduce it to the people of Ipswich as The Witch Hotel. Their vision was to respect the history of the establishment while infusing it with fresh ideas to meet the changing times.

IThe transformation began with a new craft beer bar in the space that once housed the gaming room, featuring a strong selection of boutique beers from local operations like Ballistic Brewery, Black Hopps, and Slipstream. The former cocktail bar was reimagined as a function space, broadening the offerings of the hotel.

Ray and Ron also made a significant decision to step away from gaming facilities, which they viewed as a blight on the community. Instead, they focused on creating a welcoming environment that reflected the essence of a true community pub. The rear motel units were refreshed with new paint, carpet, and furnishings, ensuring that every aspect of the hotel was ready to welcome guests.

The Witch Hotel Today

The Witch Hotel, with its Ipswich-inspired name and a mascot of a witch on a broom, opened its doors in December 2021, overcoming the challenges posed by COVID-19. The venue quickly became a favorite local spot, blending tradition with innovation. After an injection of several hundred-thousand dollars, The Witch Hotel continues to evolve, offering a range of experiences from craft beers to community events.

In recent times, The Witch Hotel has been passed on to new owners, Brok Jackson and Peta Innes, who have taken the hotel to the next level. They have embraced the mystical side of Ipswich while remaining true to the hotel’s roots as a place where everyone—both the ordinary and the extraordinary—can come together and be part of a vibrant community.

The Witch Hotel is more than just a place to eat and drink; it is a symbol of resilience, creativity, and community spirit. We invite you to step inside and discover the magic for yourself. Welcome to The Witch Hotel, where history meets enchantment, and the extraordinary begins.

The transformation includes a craft beer bar showcasing local brews, a versatile function space, and refurbished motel units, offering modern comfort with a touch of home.

Paying homage to its musical roots, The Witch plans to host diverse acts, enriching the local entertainment scene.

Committed to the community, the owners have steered away from gaming, focusing on creating a welcoming environment for all.

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Address:

254 Brisbane St,

West Ipswich

QLD, 4305

Monday:
Closed

Tuesday:
11am - 6pm

Wednesday:
11am - 10pm

Thursday - Friday - Saturday:
11am - late

Sunday:
12pm - 6pm

Phone Number:

(07) 3812 1113

Coronation Hotel, 254 Brisbane St, West Ipswich QLD 4305, Australia

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