Lounge bar out, café in

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 320, 23 January 1990, Page 3

Lounge bar out, café in

Changes to the outside of the Ohakune Hotel Lounge Bar that were started last week are just part of an upgrade to the pub facility. The lounge bar is now history and in its place will soon be a licensed cafe-bar.

The alterations will see the old lounge bar area and the restaurant combined so patrons will be able to buy cafe style food and a drink and consume them at the same time in surroundings much improved from the old bar and restaurant. Ohakune publican Rick Lowe said the refurbishment includes fitting a hanging

ceilmg, new winaows with awnings, new carpet throughout, new wall colours and new furniture - in all a whole new decor. The bar is staying where it is but will be upgraded, with a new bar top. "The idea is to bring the hotel up with the times by offering food and drink in the same place," said Rick. He said in the old days food and drink had to

be served separately in a hotel. The new, larger windows are to let more light in and the new decor will be much lighter said Rick. A new menu is yet to be prepared by Vicki Lowe and the hotel's new chef who is due to start soon. The menu will include light meals during the day in winter, with entertainment early in the evenings. Work on the refurbishment is expected to finish next month with the cafe opening at the end of February.