Chasing a publican before a town runs dry
Ever wanted to be the life of a small country settlement? Residents of Mangaweka are looking for a new owner for their much-loved pub.
The Langholm Hotel, beside State Highway 1 about 60 kilometres north of Bulls, closed its doors in October.
‘‘Unfortunately, the pub is just sitting there waiting for a young family to come in and take it,’’ said Michael Cathels, who lives nearby and is helping sell the pub.
The former owner, Lyn Watson, died unexpectedly at the end of September and the hotel is being sold by her three daughters. ‘‘It was very sad. She was very wellknown and very well-respected,’’ Cathels said. ‘‘She used to run it almost by herself, cleaning, cooking, serving, and local people would come in and help in the bar if she needed.’’
Mangaweka had a population of 150 people at the 2013 census. The Langholm was the ‘‘hub’’ of the community and before it closed was a thriving business, Cathels said.
Locals hoped it could reopen soon, if an enthusiastic new owner was found. ‘‘It’s not flash, but it’s a very nice, friendly place to stay. It’s well supported by the locals. There’s lots of local dinners and events held there. We have karaoke, New Year’s events, birthday parties, different bands and get-togethers when someone’s leaving work – we used to joke they were like arranging p...-ups in a brewery. It’s a community hotel, so anything that benefits the community would be there.’’
The hotel was built about 60 years ago, has four guest bedrooms, two owners’ rooms, a ‘‘generous bar area’’, a dining room, an outdoor ‘‘al fresco drinking and dining’’ area, and an art deco frontage on one side. The accommodation attracted backpackers, cyclists and motorbike groups, field workers and other travellers.