Historic hotel reopens after September fire

Bannockburn Hotel publicans Dawn and Dave Gillespie pour the first drinks inside their repaired...
Bannockburn Hotel publicans Dawn and Dave Gillespie pour the first drinks inside their repaired bar, which was extensively damaged by fire on September 25. Photo by Rosie Manins.
The first drinks were being served inside the historic Bannockburn Hotel Restaurant and Bar this week since it was extensively damaged by fire on September 25.

Publicans Dave and Dawn Gillespie opened the bar's doors to patrons at the official reopening on Monday night.

The reopening came after a party held to test the facility on Sunday.

Mrs Gillespie said it was great to be able to serve drinks in glasses again.

For three months they had operated the business from a makeshift garden bar outside the building, she said.

Sunday evening was an opportunity to thank all who were involved in the pub's repair, as well as local patrons who had stayed loyal to their drinking hole and frequented the temporary set-up despite freezing weather.

Mr Gillespie said Breen Construction Ltd staff, who cleaned out the damaged building and repaired its bar area, were "absolutely awesome".

So were the other local contractors who worked on the project.

"They've done a fantastic job; I can't say enough for them," he said.

Mr and Mrs Gillespie were able to salvage the original bar, which was made to look new in keeping with fresh paint, carpet, and furnishings.

The kitchen and old dining area are still closed as that section of the building is repaired and refitted with equipment.

A new roof covers the entire building, which has also been painted.

Mr and Mrs Gillespie hope to open the kitchen and restaurant in the new year.

The hotel was built in 1935, and although not classified as a historic building, it is on an archeological site.

rosie.manins@odt.co.nz

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