Last drinks for Bunbury Drinkwaters

It was the end of an era in Bunbury this week when new owners took over the reins of the iconic Rose Hotel from the Drinkwater family after 46 years.

Dave Allan and Lawson Douglas have taken over the historic hotel, motel and bottleshop, spread across a prime central business district location.

With an interest in heritage-listed properties, the pair said they had been looking at buying in Bunbury for the past 18 months and it was simply good timing when they found out the hotel was on the market.

"We are very excited about the opportunity," Mr Douglas said.

"It is an iconic, high-profile, gorgeous old pub with a great position in town."

Mr Allan said that "all staff will be staying on and it will be business as usual".

As settlement went through on Monday, John Drinkwater Jr recalled the good times he and his family shared.

"We have many wonderful memories here and our family have enjoyed all aspects of running the Rose Hotel for the past 46 years," he said. "We would like to thank the loyal staff and customers and the Bunbury community."

John Drinkwater Sr moved to Bunbury from the Wheatbelt in 1967 and bought the Burlington Hotel, acting as licensee until 1969.

The same year, he decided to buy the Rose Hotel and was the licensee until 2001, when he handed over the responsibility to his son, John Drinkwater Jr.

Throughout the years, the Drinkwater family has been involved in the renovations of the main building, converted the liquor store into Bunbury's second drive-through bottle shop and conducted a full refurbishment of the motel accommodation.

Mr Drinkwater Jr said the decision to sell during the 150-year celebrations of the State heritage-listed property was a complete coincidence.

"The timing was right for our family and the celebrations were a joyous way to close the chapter," he said.

"We would like to congratulate Dave and Lawson on buying the hotel and wish them all the best for the future."