The historic Hurunui Hotel in North Canterbury has reopened its doors on November 28, ending a closure of more than a year. New director Sourav Sharma is leading the effort to revitalize the landmark, with plans to eventually purchase the property.
A Landmark Reborn
The 150-year-old Hurunui Hotel, located on State Highway 7, is a fixture in the region. It is the oldest continuously licensed pub in Canterbury, constructed from locally sourced limestone. The hotel had been on the market and remained closed until Sharma took on the lease.
Sharma, who has seven years of experience in hospitality managing pubs in Ashburton and Selwyn, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. “The first thought when we walked in here was it’s such an iconic spot, heaps of history this place has got,” he said. “It was a shame to have the place shut, so we thought let’s take a chance and bring it back to new life.”
Community Connection and Future Plans
The reopening has been met with considerable excitement from local residents, many of whom have personal connections to the hotel. Sharma noted that “Everyone I spoke to had a story about this place,” highlighting the deep roots the hotel has within the community.
Sharma’s plan for the hotel’s revival is phased. The initial focus is on the bar and restaurant. A second stage will introduce a function area capable of hosting up to 100 people, complete with its own bar and kitchen. Finally, the upstairs accommodation will be reopened. He also intends to capitalize on the hotel’s outdoor space, which includes a beer garden, pond, waterfall, gazebo, and camping facilities.
Currently operating under a lease agreement, Sharma intends to reinvest profits into the business with the goal of purchasing the property within three years. He credits the support of his family, particularly his brother Harry, who owns other hospitality businesses in the region, for encouraging him to take on the challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of the Hurunui Hotel?
The Hurunui Hotel has been serving guests since 1868 and is the oldest continuously licensed pub in Canterbury. It is a two-story building constructed of locally quarried limestone.
What are the plans for the hotel’s future?
The director, Sourav Sharma, plans to revitalize the hotel in three stages: reopening the bar and restaurant, opening a function area for up to 100 people, and reopening the upstairs accommodation. He also intends to utilize the outdoor space.
Is the hotel currently open to the public?
Yes, the Hurunui Hotel reopened on November 28 and is currently open, with the bar and restaurant operational.
What role do you think historic pubs play in maintaining a sense of community identity?
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