Owhango Hotel in new hands

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 29, 10 December 1985, Page 7

Owhango Hotel in new hands

Sunday evening entertainment, bistro meals on Sundays and a garden bar are planned for Owhango Hotel this summer by its new owners, Don and Pauline Hooker. The couple recently took over the hotel from Mike and Pam Everton, who had the whole hotel redecorated earlier this year after it was extensively damaged by fire last year. Don and Pauline come from Thames, where Don leased the Imperial Hotel for five years and Pauline man- . aged the liquor store. Pauline will be cooking the bistro meals and catering for private functions on other nights of the week. A garden bar is also soon to be established with punga trees and swings for children. At present there is accommodation for seven people but the Hookers will be converting a rear unit into a reasonably priced self-contain-ed bunk room for families and fishermen. If the bunkroom is popular, they will add more room in future. Don is looking forward to trying hunting in the Tongariro State Forest nearby, but hasn't had a chance as yet. Pauline knits woollen garments and although she hasn't skied before she said she will have to learn now she is here. Both have found the local people very welcoming and are looking forward to getting to know the area.