Hotel says Hallam’s glass is half full

By Lia Bichel
FOR almost 140 years, the Hallam Hotel has been an iconic landmark in the small Melbourne suburb.
It used to be a general store and a post office but now every weekend locals gather at the hotel to relax, socialise and be entertained.
Manager of the Hallam Hotel Marion Ritchie said she was shocked to learn Hallam was placed last in a survey of the city’s most liveable suburbs in a special issue of The Age’s Melbourne Magazine last week.
“I didn’t think it would be last,” she said.
“I’m surprised.”
Ms Ritchie said the suburb was a great place because it was close to the city, there were several shops, locals were friendly and there was always some form of entertainment at the Hallam pub.
“We like to cater to everyone and get a bit of everything here,” Ms Ritchie said.
“People here like to enjoy themselves.”