Key Takeaways
- The 150-year-old Hurunui Hotel in North Canterbury has reopened after being closed for over a year.
- The hotel’s new director, Sourav Sharma, plans to reinvigorate the hotel and buy it in the future.
- Sharma has a goal of completing the hotel’s revival in three stages, with the final stage being the reopening of the upstairs accommodation.
- The hotel has a rich history and holds a special place in many locals’ memories, with many having stories about the hotel.
- Sharma plans to reinvest any profits into the business, with the goal of buying the property after three years.
Introduction to the Hurunui Hotel
The Hurunui Hotel, a historic Canterbury hotel, has reopened its doors after being closed for over a year. The 150-year-old hotel, which sits on State Highway 7 in North Canterbury, has been serving guests since 1868 and is the oldest continuously licensed pub in Canterbury. The hotel’s new director, Sourav Sharma, is determined to bring the iconic site back to life. Sharma, who has been working in hospitality for about seven years, has taken on the lease with plans to reinvigorate the hotel and buy it in the future.
The Hotel’s Rich History
The Hurunui Hotel holds a special place in many locals’ memories. The two-storey building, constructed of locally quarried limestone, has been a part of the community for over a century. Sharma has heard many stories from locals about the hotel, with some having had their first date there, while others had their kid’s 10th birthday party there. The hotel’s outdoor space, which includes a beer garden with a pond and waterfall, a gazebo, and a camping area with facilities for travellers, is also a popular spot. Sharma believes that the hotel’s iconic history and location on the Alpine Pacific road make it a unique and attractive spot for visitors.
Revival Plans
Sharma has planned the hotel’s revival in three stages. The initial focus was on reopening the bar and restaurant, which has already been completed. The second stage will see a function area open, capable of hosting up to 100 people with its own bar and kitchen. The final stage will be the reopening of the upstairs accommodation. Sharma expects to have the function area open by the middle of January and is excited to see the hotel come back to life. He also sees potential in the hotel’s outdoor space and plans to utilize it to its full potential.
Community Response
The response from the community since reopening has been overwhelmingly positive, despite some teething issues. Sharma has been pleased to see locals returning to the hotel and enjoying the new facilities. He believes that the hotel’s reopening has brought a sense of excitement and nostalgia to the community, with many people happy to see the iconic site back in operation. Sharma has also received support from his family, who have encouraged him to take on the challenge of reviving the hotel. His brother, Harry, who owns several other hotels in the area, has been a source of advice and guidance.
Future Plans
Sharma is currently leasing the hotel and plans to reinvest any profits into the business, with the goal of buying the property after three years. He believes that the hotel has a lot of potential and is excited to see it come back to life. Sharma’s experience in hospitality, combined with his passion for the hotel, make him confident that he can make the hotel a success. He is committed to preserving the hotel’s history and character, while also introducing new facilities and services to attract visitors. With its rich history, unique location, and new management, the Hurunui Hotel is set to become a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
Conclusion
The reopening of the Hurunui Hotel is a significant event for the community, and Sharma’s plans to revive the hotel are exciting and ambitious. With its rich history, unique location, and new management, the hotel is set to become a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. Sharma’s commitment to preserving the hotel’s history and character, while also introducing new facilities and services, will ensure that the hotel remains a beloved and iconic part of the community for years to come. As the hotel continues to come back to life, it will be exciting to see what the future holds for this historic Canterbury hotel.