THE craft beer is flowing and it's cheers all round at the Gunnedah Hotel, following the completion of a major refurbishment.
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Managing director Dan Whitten and his business partner and licensee Luke Prout bought the hotel, in Conadilly Street, in mid February.
No sooner had the ink dried on the contract than they set about renovating the pub's accommodation quarters.
"The rooms were pretty tired," Mr Whitten said.
"The refurbishment was completed this week. We are really happy with the end result."
The hotel has 28 accommodation rooms, nine with en suites.
There are some family rooms, as well as singles, queens, and various other combinations. The rooms that do not have en suites use separate male-female shared bathrooms.
"As part of the refurbishment we took the rooms back to their bare bones," Mr Whitten said.
"We ripped up the carpet, stripped out the old fittings and fixtures and polished the original floors.
"They look amazing. We also delivered new beds, bedding, furniture, fans, air-conditioners, televisions, lights, curtains and blinds and WiFi internet. All in all we had about 25 local tradies involved in the refurbishment.
"They were great to work with and really looked after us."
Mr Whitten gave special mention to master builder Brad Smith.
"He took the lead and was a pleasure to work with," Mr Whitten said.
"We also want to thank Michael Crowhurst (MGC Electrical), Shane Hobbs (plumber) and Warren (H&M Air-Conditioning).
"We have lodged plans with Gunnedah Council for Stage 2 of the renovations and are aiming to have everything by the end of October.
"The scope of the renovations is fairly extensive and should revitalise the hotel, as well as delivering new products and services to the local community."
Plans include:
- Relaunch the hotel's old restaurant as a new Italian restaurant, serving home made Italian style pizzas and pastas;
- Improve the beer garden and offer a children's play area;
- Offer more live entertainment, and
- Build facilities accessible to all patrons.
Mr Whitten said: "People in the community are genuinely interested in our plans and hopefully we can offer something new in food, drink and hospitality.
"Luke and I also appreciate the support that we have already received from the community. We have sponsored the Gunnedah Rugby League and Union teams."
For more information, visit thegunnedah.com.
