And another Pub goes up in flames

It is sad John, we often go through Roma and being handy to that op shop often had a beer there whilst the missus had a rummage round.
Cant be too sympathetic with the publicans though, over $4/middy in many places but the same bought in a slab at Woolies etc. $1.50.
mike

You sound like you,d be a real joy on a trip. Many pubs are often the center of a small towns social arena. Many , many business transactions take place. Jobs/work often found as a result of going to the pub. Some have huge amounts of charm and history. Like the Conargo pub--vast amount of local history lost. Many travelers welcome a cold beer/counter meal/ lemonade after a long drive. Many provide cheap accommodation as well. I have great memories from many of the outback pubs I have been to. The characters you meet are just terrific.
Even if they build a replacement pub it never has the feel or atmosphere of the old one..Normally just another brick and mortar building.
Suppose if your house burnt down you,d undoubtedly say the same to your missus? I think not!!! Good to be flippant when it doesn't affect you eh?

Like the new Mount Dare Hotel, has absolutely no atmosphere whatsoever, unlike the the original!

Same goes for Burketown - new pub is friendly and has good tucker, but you really miss the atmosphere of the old one.
And I agree with Bigfish; often these pubs represent the heartbeat of outback towns.