Cheeky ghost part of the package at pub
Patrons of Matamata’s Horse and Jockey Inn can sit and enjoy a pint after a long day - with a side dish of spooky tales of the resident ghost.
A ghost, known to the staff as Tom, has been haunting the building but the staff who have felt his presence say he isn’t a menace - but a cheeky ghost.
Tom likes to turn lights on and unlock doors after the last staff member has left, he has even been known to move beds around.
Anneke and Jurjen de Vries, who own the building, restaurant and accommodation said having a ghost gives the building that little ‘‘quirk’’.
The building was constructed in 1952 and was refurbished in 2006.
It doesn’t have a long history and de Vries doesn’t know if Tom is attached to the building, or just enjoys being there.
She said The Horse and Jockey Inn is well known for its friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere.
The patrons enjoy hearing about the building’s friendly ghost - although only one patron claims to have felt his presence.
Waitress Jodie Munro said one patron, who said she was sensitive to such things, asked if there is a spirit in the building.
‘‘She said he is quite a cheeky one.’’
And judging by his antics, it certainly seems that way.
‘‘He messes with people,’’ said Munro. ‘‘We aren’t scared of him. He isn’t malicious at all.’’
There’s been stories he has changed table settings overnight and reports from the cleaners who say he has moved beds. But he has never scared the guests - not that anyone has reported it anyway.
Head chef Paul Haitana has met Tom, and said he is in limbo, waiting around for someone.
‘‘He is early-mid 50s, a cheeky little man, a jokester. I think he is literally waiting for someone - he doesn’t want to cross over until someone gets here.
‘‘He says ‘I don’t know why people call me Tom, my name used to be Jonathon’.
‘‘I told him, oh well, your name is Tom now,’’ laughed Haitana.
The business is for sale and de Vries said she hopes the new buyers understand that Tom comes with the building, it’s part of the package.