Christmas hospitality trading in Horsham saw a nice boost

Manager for the Horsham Sports and Community Club, Glenn Carroll said they turned down as many people as they served. The bar had spaced out seating and recommended reservations to ensure a seat for eating times.

"It was very busy, we were booked out at every sitting," he said.

"We had a good cross section of locals and visitors."

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Mr Carroll said the busiest day was Monday, December 28.

"It was a very solid holiday season," he said.

He said every bit helps after the struggles from COVID-19 restrictions.

Chris Seers owner of Seers Bakehouse and Smokehouse said lots of travellers kept them busy over the holiday season.

"We've had a lot of travellers come through, especially with the border open again to South Australia, the cricket being on. We've had heaps of people coming through.

"A lot more people having sit down meals and having a break. As well as heaps of drive throughs," Mr Seers said.

At one stage the drive through had 15 cars in line.

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"It was pretty hectic," Mr Seers said.

The Smokehouse did pre-orders and catering for Christmas meals and parties.

Seers Bakehouse and Smokehouse decided to move their location from Firebrace street to along Dimboola street.

Mr Seers said having the extra space and more car parks at the new location has helped when needing to maintain social distancing.

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Stewart Neighbour from Nourish'd Cafe decided to close down over the holiday period.

"You can either put on extra staff and be busy but having extra staff counteracts being busy, so you are back to square one," he said,

Having people out and about is still helping with business.

"We've noticed a huge flux since the beginning of school holidays," Mr Neighbour said.

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"We're just hoping the new restrictions for COVID don't impact us."

Mr Neighbour said "being shut helped our mental state,"

"We needed a break. Though it helped with wages, my staff have worked so hard over the last year and they deserved time off," he said.

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