Rose gets new look

A piece of Bunbury history turns a new page today with the opening of the Rose Hotel’s new Garden Bar.

The modern bar on the southern end of the main front bar is the first significant change to the 99-year-old hotel’s bar in 30 years, but according to owner John Drinkwater, the new section is more traditional than it appears.

Mr Drinkwater, whose family has owned the hotel since the 1960s, said the bar that runs down the southern edge of the building was once called the Garden Bar. The Drinkwater family had always referred to it by that name.

He said the Garden Bar had always been used in a different way to the main bar with a barber shop running there in the past.

“You can still see the ribbons on the post outside, ” he said.

The Rose Hotel was built in 1865 before being rebuilt on the same spot in 1898.

He said the latest renovation had taken six weeks, after 18 months of planning.

“The time was right and things were ready to happen, ” he said.

“It felt like it deserved it.

“With a hotel this size you do things in stages every few years.”

Mr Drinkwater said the Garden Bar was not the only part of the hotel to be revamped, with the front bar getting a lick of paint, fresh carpets and new furniture too.

“We’re trying to cater for everyone, ” he said.

“Everyone likes a clean new venue.”

The Garden Bar opens today with grand opening celebrations tomorrow night and on July 25.