Beloved owner of Victoria's Elephant Bridge Hotel Alexandra 'Lal' Mann dies after battle with illness

Published: 01:23, 17 July 2026 | Updated: 01:23, 17 July 2026 Tributes have poured in after the owner of a beloved historic pub in Victoria's west died earlier this month following a battle with illness. Alexandra 'Lal' Mann, whose work at the Elephant Bridge Hotel made headlines in May after the restored 1842 pub was listed for sale, died on July 5. She was just 44 years old. Ms Mann leaves behind her beloved husband, Charlie, and their three young sons. The Daily Mail understands Ms Mann died from cancer. The heartbreaking news was first shared in The Age's obituary pages, which invited Ms Mann's loved ones to attend her celebration of life on July 15 in Derrinallum. In emotional tributes posted online, Ms Mann's family and friends spoke of the memories the mother created with her young family. 'Lal, we’ll remember you as a beautiful young mother whose grace, kindness, and gentle spirit touched so many lives. Though cancer took you far too soon, it could never diminish the precious memories you created,' one person commented. Another said: 'Lal was an angel on Earth. One of the most special people you could know.' Alexandra 'Lal' Mann (pictured with husband Charlie) died on July 5. She was  44-years-old The couple owned the historic Elephant Bridge Hotel in Darlington, Victoria until earlier this year when they had to sell up due to Ms Mann's health  Tributes have paid tribute tothe 'beautiful young mother' who leaves behind three boys Sky News host Rita Panahi also paid tribute to the young mother on social media. 'RIP beautiful Lal,' Panahi posted to Instagram alongside a picture of Ms Mann's funeral booklet. The Daily Mail understands the family had owned the iconic bluestone pub for around four years before they had to sell up in May due to Ms Mann's health issues. As one of Victoria's oldest pubs, the Hotel has held a 180-year tradition of welcoming weary travellers through its doors. However, it is the eerie ghost stories told over decades that have helped put the hotel on the map. Former publican Adeline Eliza Satchwell, who died in 1943 aged 83, is said to still keep watch over patrons from the top window. She inherited the pub in 1889 after her father died and went on to run it for 54 years, becoming Australia's oldest licensee. Punters also claim the hotel is haunted by the spirits of a young man and woman, as well as a girl who drowned in the pub's well.