June 18th, 2026Our region’s history with Natalie Poole
Three Pig and Whistle hotels
The exact origins of the name ‘Pig and Whistle’ remain a mystery, but the internet can offer a couple of explanations to ‘wet your whistle’.
The Old English word “piggin” referred to a small earthenware jug, and the Old Norse phrase “ves heil” meaning “be you healthy”, was a common toast and likely evolved into the English “wassail,” which is associated with drinking.
Another theory links the name to the practice of chefs whistling while replacing beer kegs (pigs) in taverns to avoid suspicion of drinking on the job. Whatever the origins, it does not explain why so many Pig and Whistles existed in East Trentham.
Three separate pubs have been named the Pig and Whistle in the area. Yes, you read that correctly, three. Its popularity knew no bounds.
The first was owned by James Regan who came to Australia from County Clare, Ireland and settled in the area soon after landing in Melbourne. He built the East Trentham Hotel which was known far and wide as the ‘Pig and Whistle’ and was located at the junction of James and Newtons lanes.
It contained a bar, two sitting rooms, two bedrooms, and a store that was operating from 1868. He let the premises to Henry McCormick in 1872, and he chose to use the name East Trentham Hotel.
The second was owned by William Middlemiss and leased to Joseph Barnes in 1876. At the time he also co-owned the Trentham Brewery with Richard Goodge.
The hotel was located on the south east corner of James Lane and Pearsons Road, diagonally opposite the current-day hotel. After a few years, Joseph’s inability to control the people coming into his drinking establishment was cause for concern.
In the Kyneton Observer, dated January 31, 1880, Constable Hogan stated that on Wednesday he was sent to East Trentham in consequence of riotous proceedings involving a mob of Melbourne larrikins and harvest men.
In company with Constable Murray, he proceeded to Barnes’ Pig and Whistle Hotel in James Lane. On their arrival they saw from 100 to 150 men, in and outside of the house. Barnes pointed out a scene of terrorism. Barnes later transferred his publican’s licence to his wife Annie, who in August 1881 transferred the licence to Thomas Egan.
The third and current day Pig & Whistle located on the corner of James Lane and Pearsons Road has had a couple of name changes along the way.
It started out as the Clare Morris Hotel in 1882/3 with Maurice O’Connell and had other publicans including Patrick McInerney and Patrick McMenamin before it became known as the East Trentham Hotel in 1949.
Another name change occurred in 1954 when Lionel Hockley became the publican of the Trentham East Hotel.
It is believed by locals that Lionel Hockley changed the name to the Pig & Whistle from Trentham East Hotel, but records show that in 1967/68 Norman Downs still called it the Trentham East Hotel when taking over the licence from Lionel Hockley, who had gone bankrupt.
In fact, Lionel’s wife Nellie Hockley changed its name to Pig & Whistle in 1969 when she took over the licence from Norman Downs.
The hotel still operates under the name Pig & Whistle in 2026.
How many drinks?
In a case in a Trentham court in 1936, there was an altercation at a dance in Lyonville.
A Mr Plant denied he was drunk but admitted having had a few drinks outside the hall and thought he may have had 20 at Daylesford in the afternoon. Still, he was not drunk.
“How many drinks could you have without being drunk?” he was asked, to which he replied, “Well, it would be pretty poor if a man could not do thirty.” Wow.
