05/05/2026
Definitely appreciating Shane Jacobson 's new show about buying & renovating a pub. His mantra of "change nothing, improve everything" has been at the top of my mind on our journey too. (Although we've had to add "fix everything" as well).
It's not a journey for the feint of heart, as we are already $1m over budget on works done at Morven Pub - Round Hill hotel , mostly in restorative & remedial works.
We thought long & hard about whether to start sharing our own 2 years of video footage, but the plan was always to share that when we relaunch, regardless of external factors, so we'll stay with that.
But every challenge & obstacles we've had, that Shane has also been encountering, especially that of staying operational whilst renovating, brought a small smile to my face.
And (paint brush in hand), I'll continue to follow his journey with interest, even as we continue to make great progress in our country escapade of renovating our own "grand old lady". Cheers, Dan & Deb.
When Aussie comedy legend Shane Jacobson bought a rural Victorian pub without ever seeing it in person, he thought it would be an exciting new challenge. Known for his role in Kenny, Jacobson wasn’t afraid of risk, having successfully renovated homes before. But this decision would test him in ways he never expected.
Alongside longtime friend Dean Murphy, he purchased the iconic Dederang Hotel — a beloved country pub at the heart of a tight-knit farming community. The idea came casually through an email, but quickly turned into a life-changing commitment neither of them fully understood at the time.
What followed was far from easy. Managing a full renovation while keeping the pub running proved overwhelming. Despite his previous experience, Jacobson admitted the project was “so much harder” than expected, with constant pressure, unexpected challenges, and the reality of running a business pushing him to his limits.
Their journey is now being documented in the new TV series Oops! I Bought A Pub on Channel 7, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the highs and lows — from the spontaneous purchase to the daily grind of keeping the doors open.
For Jacobson, the project became about more than just business. In small towns like Dederang, the local pub is the heart of the community — a place where farmers and locals gather after long, exhausting weeks, celebrate milestones, and support one another. Keeping that spirit alive became a powerful motivator.
Taking over a venue with a 30-year legacy also came with pressure. Balancing tradition with necessary improvements wasn’t easy, but Jacobson says their guiding principle became: “Change nothing, improve everything.” It was about preserving the pub’s character while ensuring it could continue to serve the community into the future.
In the end, despite the struggles, Jacobson believes the challenge was worth it. As he reflects on the experience, one thing stands out — the hardest journeys often bring the greatest sense of pride.
