Key Takeaways
- The Hurunui Hotel, the oldest continuously licensed pub in Canterbury, has been reopened after a period of closure.
- The hotel, which first opened in 1868, has a rich history and holds a special place in the memories of many locals.
- The new owner, Sharma, plans to revive the hotel in three stages, including reopening the bar and restaurant, function area, and upstairs accommodation.
- The hotel’s outdoor space, including a beer garden and camping area, also has potential for development.
- Sharma aims to reinvest profits into the business with the goal of buying the property after three years.
Introduction to the Hurunui Hotel
The Hurunui Hotel, a iconic spot in Canterbury, has been given a new lease on life after a period of closure. The hotel, which first opened its doors in 1868, is the oldest continuously licensed pub in the region and holds a special place in the memories of many locals. The two-storey building, constructed of locally quarried limestone, has a rich history and has been serving guests for over 150 years. According to Sharma, the new owner, the opportunity to revive the hotel was too good to miss, and he is excited to bring the place back to life.
The History and Significance of the Hotel
The Hurunui Hotel has a long and storied history, and its closure was felt deeply by the local community. Sharma noted that everyone he spoke to had a story about the hotel, whether it was a first date, a child’s birthday party, or another special occasion. The hotel’s closure was a loss for the community, and its reopening has been met with overwhelming positivity. Sharma said that the response from the community has been incredible, with many people expressing their happiness that the hotel is once again open for business. The hotel’s iconic status and location on the Alpine Pacific road make it a unique and special place that is deeply ingrained in the local culture.
The Revival of the Hotel
Sharma has planned the hotel’s revival in three stages. The first stage, which is already complete, was to reopen the bar and restaurant. The second stage, which is currently in progress, involves opening a function area that can host up to 100 people, complete with its own bar and kitchen. The final stage will be to reopen the upstairs accommodation, which will provide a unique and historic place for guests to stay. Sharma also sees potential in 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. The outdoor space provides a peaceful and scenic spot for guests to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
The Future of the Hotel
Sharma is currently leasing the hotel, but he hopes to buy the property after three years. He plans to reinvest any profits into the business to ensure its continued success and growth. Sharma credited his family for their support and encouragement, particularly his brother Harry, who owns several other hotels in the region. Sharma’s brother told him that the hotel was his legacy, and that he should do it right or not do it at all. With the support of his family and the local community, Sharma is confident that the hotel will continue to thrive and remain a beloved institution in the region.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the positive response from the community, Sharma acknowledged that there have been some teething issues since the hotel reopened. However, he is confident that these issues will be ironed out as the hotel continues to settle into its new rhythm. Sharma is excited about the opportunities that the hotel presents, particularly in terms of its outdoor space and potential for functions and events. The hotel’s location on the Alpine Pacific road makes it an ideal stop for travellers and tourists, and Sharma hopes to capitalize on this by providing a unique and memorable experience for guests. With its rich history, beautiful surroundings, and commitment to quality and service, the Hurunui Hotel is sure to remain a beloved institution in the region for many years to come.