Farewell to Harbour View Hotel

One of the regulars at the Harbour View Hotel back in the day had a particularly long face.

Jeff Holloway remembers her well.

There used to be a horse and cart that trundled visitors around Raglan and, after a long day’s work, wagon driver Fred Simpson and his mare, Jess, would arrive at the establishment in the centre of town.

Jess would take her place at the bar, lap her beer out of a bowl, and stare Holloway straight in the eye. It’s an anecdote Holloway can’t help but recall after two decades owning and operating the historic hotel on Bow St.

Now approaching retirement, Holloway and his wife Kerry are selling the two-storey building, which houses a restaurant, three bars, including a sports and garden bar, and accommodation of 10 rooms.

The colonial style hotel was initially built in 1866, but it burnt down twice. The latest incarnation was constructed in 1905. It has a category two listing from the Historic Places Trust.

In the early days the hotel catered for travellers who delivered goods to Raglan by sea, and needed a place to stay. A century and a half later, the hotel still accommodates visitors and regulars alike.

Along with the occasional equine guest, Holloway has seen a ‘‘real mix of flavours’’ frequent the pub.

‘‘We’ve got a strong, local support base,’’ Holloway said, ‘‘We’ve got the Raglan Sports Fishing Club operating out of our premises.’’

In the last five years, Raglan has ‘‘exploded’’ in visitor numbers and new residents, that has been beneficial for business. When Holloway first took over the hotel, he worked 70-80 hours a week, but recently ‘‘jumped from the front seat to the back’’.

He said people from all over the world worked at the hotel, and there is already a management structure in place that could continue under new ownership.

The asking price for the property and business is $6,550,000.

Holloway is hopeful to get a buyer for the property who appreciates its importance in the minds of locals.

‘‘I have taken a great deal of pride in owning a building like that.’’

The Harbour View Hotel, on Raglan’s main street, is currently up for sale. PHOTOS: DOMINICOZAPATA/STUFF

A raft of unique local identities have passed through the doors of the pub.

The hotel garden bar still has that rustic feel with modern outdoor seating.

A photo of Fred Simpson with Jess, a 12-year-old Clydesdale mare, having a drink at the bar.