General manager Gabrielle Clark pulls a beer at the new-look bistro bar at the William Farrer Hotel. Photos: Chris Roe.
General manager Gabrielle Clark said unveiling the new-look William Farrer Hotel had been an emotional experience.
She confirmed that the million-dollar refurbishment had been completed right on schedule for an Anzac Day relaunch.
“The pub was very dark and it was probably overdue for renovations,” she said.
“Obviously, there’s a lot more natural light. It’s all open out into the beer garden area so you can have combined spaces for functions.
“We’ve got our terrace still out there, but it’s also open to the garden as well as the play area. We’ve never had a play area before, so hopefully the families will come down to check it out.”
The revamped William Farrer Hotel now sports a lighter look that carries through to the airy new bistro.
Known locally as ”The Faz”, the historic hotel has traded its deep maroon exterior for a classic olive grey with white highlights.
The lighter look carries through to the airy new bistro, cast in creams and greens with a new wraparound bar with brass and copper fittings and a white marble top.
Along with the towering playground out the back, the new beer garden and terrace are bright and open with natural timber finishes.
“We opened on Saturday the 20th and the feedback has been so positive,” Gaby said.
“It’s been really emotional to see everyone, even our regulars that we’ve had here for years, absolutely blown away by the renovation.”
The hotel’s new playground is set to be a big drawcard for families.
The venue on the corner of Peter and Edward streets was established in 1879 and was named the Terminus Hotel.
The original single-storey front was demolished and rebuilt in 1938 and its name was changed in honour of wheat-farming pioneer William James Farrer.
The Faz was sold to Harvest Hotels in 2021 by the Barnhill family, which had operated the iconic pub for two decades, and the development application for the $1.5 million renovation was lodged in late 2022.
“We always planned for Anzac Day to be a grand opening. It’s the biggest day of the year for us and a great chance for everyone to come and have a look at the new venue,” Gaby said.
“We are prepared for it to be one of the biggest Anzac Days we’ve had.”
Harvest Hotels also purchased the Victoria Hotel on Baylis Street for a record $29 million in 2022 and has flagged that renovations are on the way for the popular late-night venue.
The William Farrer Hotel is located on the corner of Edward and Peter Streets, Wagga Wagga. Two-up will kick off at midday, and live music will begin from 2 pm. The courtesy bus will also be running from 8 pm until late.
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