The country pub that’s for life

It’s neither luxurious nor upmarket, but that’s the way they like it.

The Woodbourne Tavern, in Renwick, is still a good oldfashioned country pub, very much at the heart of the community.

So much so, in fact, it still does ‘‘baby showers, weddings and funerals’’.

And now, at last, as some punters might argue, ‘‘the Woody’’ is up for a top award.

The Woodbourne Tavern, with its nine rooms out the back, is in the running for the title of ‘best country hotel’, as nominated by Hospitality NZ.

Rowan Ingpen and his sister Stacey Goodwin have owned the Woodbourne Tavern along with step-father Richard Marlow and mother Adrianna Ingpen since 2010.

When they bought the business, close to Marlborough Airport on State Highway 6, it was in a poor financial state and the family worked tirelessly to put it back on the map.

‘‘We’ve got good stuff, good locals and we’ve been doing what we do, doing it well, good country food,’’ Goodwin said.

The nomination was both rewarding and satisfying, she said.

‘‘It was difficult, hard work and it’s great knowing that our hard work has been recognised.’’

Kerri Brinsdon had worked at the tavern for 15 years, sticking with it through the highs and lows.

‘‘There have been huge changes, all for the best,’’ she said. ‘‘It’s such a lovely, busy pub, something new happens every day.’’

Rowan Ingpen said every one of his 26 employees mattered to the family.

‘‘You’re only as good as your weakest link.’’

Every staff member had an understanding of the family’s vision for the tavern, he said.

Ingpen said the nomination also reflected the uniqueness of the tavern in the heart of Marlborough.

‘‘It shows you what a fantastic wee place we have in Renwick, the heart of the wine country.

‘‘It has baby showers, weddings and proudly claimed.

The other two finalists for the ‘best country hotel’ award were Gisborne’s Jolly Stockman and the Theatre Royal Hotel in Kumara, on the West Coast. The awards will be announced in Wellington on October 19. funerals,’’ he

PHOTO: SCOTT HAMMOND/STUFF Owner Rowan Ingpen serves up a couple of pints at the Woodbourne Tavern in Renwick.