The iconic Wilga Hotel, the social hub of Narrabri West and the wider community, enters a new era this week.
The 51-year-old Wilga has undergone major renovation, refurbishment, fit-out and re-design over the past six months and has now re-opened.
“We are now open for business and look forward to welcoming everyone to come along and enjoy the bar services, bottleshop, bistro and the great atmosphere,” invited hotel operator Rebecca Artis.
The Wilga development represents a significant local investment by the local owners, employing local tradespeople and suppliers, and is a strong vote of confidence in the town’s future.
The Wilga was built in 1971.
Now, the new owners have re-launched the pub with a complete makeover inside and out with new decor, new services and new facilities.
“The Wilga is essentially a new hotel but will maintain country traditions – we will be a welcoming, family hotel serving the community,” said Mrs Artis.
“We have completely redesigned and modernised the bar areas, the bistro food service area and kitchen and five rooms of motel accommodation with queen size beds and en suites.”
The bistro features a customer-friendly dining and service layout opening onto the front courtyard and the Sports Bar offers an array of big screen televisions to provide all the sports action and entertainment.
The Wilga has been renovated from top to bottom.
The piece de resistance is the Cellarbrations drive-through bottle shop with a comprehensive range of beers, wines and spirits – it has been completely built by local tradespeople.
The NSW head of Cellarbrations commented it was ‘the best designed and fitted out’ drive-through facility he had seen.
“We are proud to offer the very best to Narrabri,” said Mrs Artis.
“The Wilga is a venue which we believe will fill an important part in community life and be part of growth and an exciting future for our town and district.”
The main bar opened on Wednesday afternoon at 2pm and the drive through Cellarbrations bottleshop is open and already busy.
The Wilga bistro will open from Monday, July 11.
Some of local the tradies and suppliers who worked on the Wilga Hotel redevelopment, from left, Wayne Saunders, Ashley Penberthy, Rhys Butler, Grant Johnson, Alister McClenaghan, Nathan Dicks, Ned Selem and Jake Scott, front, Paul Bussell, Chris Rodd, Jake Bussell and Paul Bushby. Absent from the photo, Damian Chiplin, Jack Druce, Kevin Baguley, ‘Rusty’ Wales, Richard Hobden, Jason Petrie and team, Mick Anderson and Darren Babbington.
