It will take its name from the building and its food will reflect the heritage atmosphere of the surrounding area.
The restaurant is on the ground floor of the building and will be operated by Ms Sullivan separately from the New Zealand Malt Whisky Company, which has been revived following investment by a group of overseas interests.
The Oamaru Whitestone Civic Trust, which owns the building, interested Ms Sullivan in setting up the restaurant and work is well advanced to have it open, hopefully in time for the Oamaru Victorian heritage Celebrations next month.
Yesterday, Ms Sullivan, trust chairman Phil Hope and builder Peter De Koster, of De Koster Construction, viewed progress on a purpose-built commercial kitchen, office, storeroom and cold stores being built on the ground floor.
Once in operation, the Loan and Mercantile will offer sustainable banquet-style heritage food using local products and cooked under the direction of chef Gilbert Prevost, following the principles of the slow cooking movement.
Ms Sullivan decided to get involved in the historic area because of her allegiance to Oamaru, but will also continue with her seafood restaurant, Fleur's Place, at Moeraki.
Loan and Mercantile will offer local produce in the form of carveries with breads and cheeses, and huge dishes of traditional puddings.
