Key Takeaways
- The 150-year-old Hurunui Hotel in North Canterbury has reopened after being closed for over a year
- New hotel director Sourav Sharma plans to reinvigorate the hotel and buy it in the future
- The hotel has a rich history and holds a special place in many locals’ memories
- Sharma has planned the hotel’s revival in three stages, with the initial focus on reopening the bar and restaurant
- The hotel’s outdoor space, including a beer garden and camping area, also has potential for development
Introduction to the Hurunui Hotel
The Hurunui Hotel, a historic Canterbury hotel, has been shut for more than a year, but its new director, Sourav Sharma, is determined to bring the iconic site back to life. The 150-year-old hotel, which sits on State Highway 7 in North Canterbury, reopened on 28 November after being closed while on the market and unable to find a buyer. Sharma has taken on the lease with plans to reinvigorate the hotel and buy it in the future. With a background in hospitality, having worked in the industry for about seven years and managed pubs in Ashburton and Selwyn, Sharma has always dreamed of owning a pub. The opportunity to take on the Hurunui Hotel was one he couldn’t miss, and he is excited to bring the hotel back to its former glory.
The Hotel’s Rich History
The Hurunui Hotel has been serving guests since 1868 and is the oldest continuously licensed pub in Canterbury. The two-storey building, constructed of locally quarried limestone, holds a special place in many locals’ memories. Sharma has heard countless stories from the community about the hotel, with many people having special memories of the place. "Everyone I spoke to had a story about this place," he said. "Some people had their first date here, some people had their kid’s 10th birthday, you know heaps of different stories. People just love to be back here and they’re so happy that the place is back open." The hotel’s rich history and iconic status make it a beloved landmark in the community, and Sharma is determined to preserve and build on this legacy.
The Hotel’s Revival
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 reopening the upstairs accommodation. Sharma is also excited about the potential of 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. He sees this space as a major drawcard for visitors and is keen to develop it further. With the function area expected to open by the middle of January, Sharma is confident that the hotel will quickly become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
The Future of the Hotel
For now, Sharma is leasing the hotel, and any profits will be reinvested into the business, with a goal of buying the property after three years. He credits his family for helping him take the leap to take on the hotel, particularly his brother Harry, who owns several other hotels in the area. Sharma’s family has been supportive of his decision, and he is grateful for their encouragement. "My brother Harry who owns the Southbridge Hotel, the Coalgate Tavern as well as the Springfield Hotel, he mentioned that this is your legacy, either do it right or don’t do it," Sharma said. With the hotel’s iconic history and location on the Alpine Pacific road, Sharma is confident that it will be a success, and he is excited to be a part of its future.
Conclusion
The reopening of the Hurunui Hotel is a significant event for the local community, and Sharma’s plans for its revival are ambitious and exciting. With its rich history, iconic status, and potential for development, the hotel is sure to become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. As Sharma works to bring the hotel back to life, he is mindful of its legacy and is determined to preserve and build on its history. With the support of his family and the community, Sharma is confident that the Hurunui Hotel will thrive under his leadership, and he is excited to see what the future holds for this beloved landmark.