The hotel is hosting a Grampians Produce Dinner to coincide with the official opening of the architecturally-designed event centre, called the Mountain View Room.

The former convention centre was engulfed in flames 18 months ago, and completely destroyed. The damage bill was estimated to be about $1.5 million.

Marketing manager Kylie Schurmann said the hotel complex and restaurant were not damaged by the fire and people staying in the hotel weren’t evacuated.

About 35 firefighters battled the blaze. “The potential for disaster was very real,” she said.

“We were able to offset some of the events. Some people moved their dates and we also had others change to the Mt Sturgeon farm property.”

Mrs Schurmann said the Mountain View Room was very different to the previous events centre. “The views from inside the centre are exceptional,” she said. “It is now able to seat 140 people and has a larger foyer space.” 

The building also has a commercial kitchen space and Mrs Schurmann said people had already made reservations. 

The produce dinner has been specially designed by the Royal Mail Hotel’s executive chef Robin Wickens. 

The four-course menu will feature ingredients from the hotel’s organic kitchen garden along with produce from the Grampians region.