4 | New life for Amberley landmark Richard Loader The new bottlestore showcases local North Canterbury produce including Waipara wines, strawberries, honey and seasonal nuts. HOSPITALITY Amberley Hotel Fabulously resplendent in distinctive teal exterior colours, Amberley Hotel’s extensive refurbishment has breathed new life into the well-known local establishment while preserving a taste of history and showcasing local wines and produce. Amberley Hotel opened its doors to enthusiastic patrons early October 2021 after a year long project that saw the building stripped back to bear bones and lovingly rebuilt. Once known as The Crown and more recently painted a rather nondescript shade of mustard, the ninety-year-old building shares some interesting history. Back in the day there used to be saleyards right across the road and the Crown was a favourite watering hole for many a shepherd. Often enjoying one tipple too many the shepherds ended up bunking down on one of the upper level bedrooms before making their way back home the following day. Taking from that history, the new bar is called ‘The Crown and Shepherd’ and references to the old Crown Hotel flows through to other parts of the new establishment with the restaurant called the ‘Cork and Crown’ where a heavy emphasis is placed on the delicious wines of North Canterbury. The bottle store is called Crown and Pantry and Hotel Manager James McPherson says the hotel’s owner wanted it to be a place where local North Canterbury produce including Waipara wines, strawberries, honey and seasonal nuts were showcased. “We also have a takeaway bar called the Golden Hat Takeways — so lending from the ‘Crown’ idea, with a leaning to Thai food. But the over arching brand is The Amberley Hotel.” James has been part of the journey since April last year and says the owner wanted to create something new and vibrant, hence the building’s very bold exterior. “The building hadn’t had any investment for a very long time and there was an opportunity to create something in Amberley that attracted a wider cross section of people including families with young children and catering to the growing population, while preserving something of the old history.” Stripping the building right back to its bare bones the hotel was not just refurbished for today but future proofed for the next twenty years. “While the internal hallway on the bottom level remains the same, everything else within reason was changed. “We removed a few walls and put a few new walls in. New flooring was laid along with new wiring, plumbing, sound and fire proofing. The bar has remained where it was but shifted position slightly. “The upper level is all accommodation. There used to be eighteen to twenty rooms, but this has been pared back to eleven.” Four bedrooms are smaller in size, with shared bathroom and kitchenette facilities and may appeal to travellers or truckers opting for a quick overnight stop, or perhaps a wayward shepherd. The other rooms are all larger, each with king-size beds, en-suites and kitchenettes and may appeal to people embarking on a tour of the many North Canterbury wineries or just holidaying in the region. James says the beer garden is a favourite spot for many people, especially on a nice day or evening with the music playing. “It’s all nicely sheltered, showcasing a big mural on the wall about local history.” Designed by Timothy Hogan from Christchurch practice, Intrados Architecture and built by Cheviot based GH Builders, Amberley Hotel’s new lease of life was a massive undertaking. “The builder suggested it might have been easier and cheaper to have demolished the building and started again but the owner wanted to retain the solid bones of the historic building.” Showcasing the food, wine and hospitality of North Canterbury, Amberley Hotel is more than just any old generic pub. “It’s a place for locals, the local sports team, families and older people wanting somewhere comfortable to have a nice time,” says James. CHOOSE THE EXPERTS GET IT DONE RIGHT THE FIRST TIME Heat Pumps & Air Conditioning • Ventilation • Mechanical Services Refrigeration • Design & Build Support • Hire • Building Warrant of Fitness & Maintenance Plans 81 Main North Road, Woodend 0800 23 23 03 opt 1 admin@ers.co.nz P R O U D T O S U P P O R T A M B E R L E Y H O T E L Member Electrical Contractors Association of NZ MASTER ELECTRICIANS info@caltec.co.nz | 021 279 6080 | Caltec.co.nz • DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL WORK • INSTALLERS OF HOME AUTOMATION SYSTEMS • DATA INSTALLS p: 03 218 6179 e: ross.jackson@mcp.co.nz w: www.mcp.co.nz Ross Jackson Partner Proud to support Amberley Hotel Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors At McCulloch + Partners we are a local business run by local people. We pride ourselves on being friendly, accessible and experienced accounting specialists no matter the industry you’re in. Contact us to take advantage of our modern approach to accounting and business expertise 394 Blenheim Road Upper Riccarton, Christchurch www.westmeat.co.nz Proudly supporting Amberley Hotel
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