Rose Hotel manager Blair Lennon has stood in the bar for hours on end “getting the aesthetics”. Bars have to flow, according to Mr Blair, who has been pondering the “interesting deadlines” being faced as the Rose Hotel gets set to reveal the results of months of renovations.
The dining room will reopen in the middle of October and the main bar relaunches with a Melbourne Cup day bash on November 1.
Mr Blair has set up pubs in the city before but says there’s nothing like doing up an old country pub.
“And the Rose is one of the most iconic pubs in the South West,” said Mr Blair, “So we’re highlighting the unique heritage features.”
Door frames and floorboards are being stripped back to the original timber and the renovators are uncovering some historical features such as a 4-metre archway and brickwork that will be incorporated into the new look.
The venue will offer a new dining experience, a casual bar, cocktail lounge, street-side alfresco area, function room and bar, modern motel rooms and a boutique bottle shop.
A new kids’ area features murals by artist Mel McVee and a dedicated play space with a hopscotch pitch.
“We’re looking to be a venue for everyone,” said Mr Lennon. “Great food, great value, and catering to kids – a venue like this hasn’t been seen in Bunbury.”
Another priority for Mr Blair is strengthening generational ties.
“Twenty-five to 35-year-olds haven’t really experienced the Rose,” he said. “We want them to still be coming here when they’re 50, just like the 50-year-olds that come here now have been doing for so long.”