Heritage, Heart, And A Whole Lot Of Good Times A New Chapter For Hotel Mackay

By Amanda Wright

The old bones of Hotel Mackay are about to get a second lease on life, thanks to a dynamic revival driven by two of Mackay’s beloved business couples. When the Laffins and Phillips families set their sights on the heritage-listed pub, it was more than just a business deal—it was a chance to honour their deep family ties to the hospitality scene, breathe new life into a local landmark, and create a new hub for the Mackay community to gather, celebrate, and make memories.
For Ben Phillips, this venture is more than just a business; it’s a homecoming. Ben’s roots in the hotel industry run deep. He and his brothers, Peter (dec) and Luke, were raised in the iconic Leichhardt Hotel. Managed by his father, Keith Phillips, and before that, his grandfather and great-grandfather, the Leichhardt was the Phillips family's pride and joy. It stood proudly on River Street, its verandah offering a front-row seat to Mackay’s vibrant riverside community life.
Ben recalls how the pub was more than just a business; it was a way of life.
“There was always someone to talk to, and the customers became a part of our everyday life. It was a bustling place where everyone knew each other’s names.”
The Phillips family's lineage stretches back even further, to Ben’s great, great, great grandfather, a bootlegger with a reputation as colourful as the era itself. The Taylors, Ben’s maternal ancestors, were one of Mackay’s most influential families during the early 1900s. Known for their entrepreneurial spirit, they owned numerous businesses, including the historic Taylors Hotel, built in 1936. This family of trailblazers helped shape Mackay's economic and social landscape, contributing to the town’s rich tapestry with their chain of hotels, theatres, and other establishments.
“My grandmother was one of the seven Taylor daughters, and each of them was gifted a pub or business when they married. The Taylors Hotel, which still stands today, was one of their many ventures,” Ben said.
Ben’s father, Keith, took over the Leichhardt in 1949. The pub became legendary, not only for its infamous cabaret shows and live performances but also for its vibrant flood stories.
The most infamous tale? The legendary shooting of a 32-foot crocodile from the pub’s verandah after a massive flood—a story that has become part of Mackay folklore. The crocodile’s skin, so they say, once hung proudly in the hotel, though the details are now a blur between legend and fact.
While Ben grew up surrounded by the hum of pub life, Nicole Laffin’s connection to Mackay’s hotels is just as captivating, albeit in a different way. You could say Nicole was destined for the pub life—her birth certificate humorously lists McGuires Hotel as her birthplace, with her father noted as the publican.
“Growing up, I was always surrounded by that lively pub atmosphere,” Nicole says.
“It’s funny to think I was literally born into it.”
Nicole and her husband Mark, who has decades of experience running iconic pubs along the Queensland coast, saw in the Hotel Mackay an opportunity that was too good to pass up.
It all began over breakfast one morning at Laffo’s Bar & Pizzeria, another of Mark and Nicole’s successful ventures. When Ben casually asked Mark over breakfast, “Do you want to buy a pub?” the wheels were set in motion. Mark took charge of the negotiations, and soon the couples found themselves the proud owners of one of Mackay’s most beloved landmarks.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better pub to invest in,” Nicole said.
“We wanted something that truly represented Mackay’s spirit—a place that people are excited to come back to.” And that’s exactly what they’re creating—a destination where good food, cold beer, and community spirit will converge in the most welcoming of settings.
Rebecca Phillips is as much a part of Mackay's fabric as the very land her family has cultivated for generations. Born and bred in the region, she hails from a proud third-generation cane-growing family near Calen, an area rich with history and the hardworking spirit of the land. Her family’s longstanding connection to the agricultural community has instilled in her a deep appreciation for resilience, community, and the simple joys of rural life.
As part of the team behind the Hotel Mackay’s historic rebuild, she’s excited to help keep the CBD vibrant and alive, all while honouring the town’s rich heritage. In addition to her agricultural roots, Rebecca is an experienced financial controller at Gardian Finance, where her expertise in managing financial operations has been invaluable. Rebecca’s vision is to create a space where locals and visitors alike can come together to celebrate the spirit of Mackay, all while ensuring the hotel plays an integral part in shaping the town’s future.
The restoration of Hotel Mackay isn’t just about slapping on a fresh coat of paint; it’s about lovingly restoring a piece of Mackay’s history while infusing it with a new vibrancy. Mark, a veteran of North Queensland’s hotel scene, has been hands-on with Nicole in designing every detail. The pub will retain its distinctive Art Deco charm, paying homage to an era known for its elegance and glamour.
Inside, you’ll find big open spaces filled with natural light, a modern open-air kitchen, and a warm, inviting family-friendly restaurant. The new design extends into a neighbouring property, giving extra room for dining and socialising.
This includes the addition of “Puffa’s Sports Bar,” a heartfelt tribute to Ben’s late brother, Peter, known for his love of rugby and his larger-than-life personality.
“We want to create spaces that honour the past but also invite new memories,” Mark said.
Beyond his achievements in rugby league and business, Peter was a magnet for camaraderie, bringing people together with his infectious energy and love of a good time. Whether it was sharing a laugh over a cold beer, orchestrating one of his famous pranks, or cheering on his beloved Brothers Rugby League team, Peter had an unmatched gift for lighting up every room he entered.
The sports bar will be both a nod to his sporting legacy and a lasting celebration of his spirit—a place where friends, family, and the community can gather to raise a glass in his honour, just as he would have loved.
The revamped Hotel Mackay is set to become Mackay’s new favourite gathering spot. With a large outdoor beer garden featuring a permanent stage, this will be the place to catch some of the best live music acts heading through North Queensland.
For those looking to celebrate special occasions, the upstairs will be transformed into a luxurious series of rooms, blending the old-world Art Deco elegance with all the comforts of modern hospitality. Nicole promises that whether it’s a wedding, anniversary, or just a fun weekend away, Hotel Mackay will be a place where people can truly relax and reconnect.
“We’re aiming for something that’s both timeless and fresh, a nod to the past but also very much looking forward,” Nicole explained.
“The heritage will shine through in everything we do, from the decor to the menu, with affordable family fare our main focus.”
One thing’s for sure—Hotel Mackay will be a place where you won’t leave hungry. The Laffins have built a reputation for serving up hearty, family-friendly meals at Laffo’s, and they plan to bring that same ethos to Hotel Mackay. Think juicy steaks, comforting pasta dishes, and all-day breakfasts that will keep you coming back for more.
In true Mackay style, the menu will be crowd-pleasing, a celebration of local flavours and generous portions. The team is even looking to bring back Mackay’s reputation for the best steaks in town.
“We want families to feel like they can come here any time—whether it’s for a quick coffee and cake, a long lunch, or a big night out,” Mark said.
But it’s not just about food. It’s about creating an experience. From themed trivia nights to musical bingo, karaoke, and fun-filled Taco Tuesdays, there’ll always be something happening at Hotel Mackay.
“We’re putting the fun back into the pub scene,” Nicole added with a smile. “Everyone is talking about what’s happening here, and we’re just so excited to welcome everyone in.”
More than just a pub, Hotel Mackay is set to become a cornerstone of the community—a place where locals can unwind, celebrate, and make memories. The couples behind this venture are passionate about giving back to the town that has supported them.
“It’s not just about the business for us; it’s about the people,” Ben said.
“We’re locals, and we’re investing in Mackay’s future.”
The project is a labour of love, one that reflects the strong community values that have always been at the core of both Laffo’s and Gardian Group.
“We’re putting our hearts into this,” Nicole said.
“It’s more than just a renovation; it’s a revival. It’s about bringing people together in a place that feels like home.”
With plans to open in mid-2025, just in time for Mark and Nicole’s milestone birthdays, the anticipation is building. Hotel Mackay promises to be the go-to destination for everything from casual catch-ups to grand celebrations.
As the Art Deco gem on Victoria Street prepares to open its doors once again, it’s clear that Hotel Mackay is set to become a new favourite, where heritage meets hospitality, and everyone is welcome to join in the fun.
Cheers to that!

L-R: Mark and Nicole Laffin, Ben and Rebecca Phillips. Photo credit: Coffee and Hops

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