The Duke of Marlborough Hotel Est 1827

This stunning place has quite a history. This morning we took a trip out to nearby Russell and after exploring the town we decided to have lunch here at the Duke of Marlborough Hotel. This is the back of the building situated along the main road near the shops.

This is the front entrance of the hotel and it faces the waterfront named "The Strand". The sign outside says "Refreshing rascals and reprobates since 1827".

According to the hotel's website the information on here says: It began it's life as Johnny Johnston's Grog Shop (liquor store). The owner Johnny was an ex convict who turned his life around and learned the local Maori language. The interior at first glance looks extremely well maintained but I'm thinking under that 1970's carpet that I recognize as being similar to what my mother had when I was a child probably has polished Kauri floorboards underneath.

Anyway the friendship between Johnny and the Maori people lead to him being able to purchase the freehold site of the hotel which was one of the first land sales to a European in NZ.

Back then in the 1830's Russell was named Kororareka and was the largest whaling port in the Southern Hemisphere. Johnny changed the name of of the hotel to the Duke of Marlborough and his first alcohol licence still hangs up in the bar today.

The first hotel burned down during the battle of Kororareka in 1845 and was rebuilt . From 1878 to 1923 the hotel changed hands 8 times. Between 1923 and 1974 it was owned by Hancock Hotels (aka Lion Breweries). In 1931 the second building again caught fire and burned down then a third building was built in 1875 and housed the telegraph workers at Cable bay but was shipped down the coast and dragged into place by steam traction engine in 1932.

After this the hotel again changed hands 5 times and is currently owned by 4 owners who have restored it beautifully. It's now being used as a restaurant/bar and a wedding venue. Today I ordered a Yellowfin Tuna dish, and as you can see above it looks and was delicious.

With a view like this I'm not surprised the hotel and town is a very popular tourist destination.

Auckland Metropolis Museum

In amongt the modern new highrise buildings in Auckland City is this smaller vintage building that is currently for sale (I'd buy it if I had the money). My research found that: "It was designed by English-born architect Charles Towle and erected in the early 1930s as the Church of Christ, Scientist, the building's Graeco-Roman facade has towering columns that frame its impressive entranceway, with three ornate timber doors decorated with leadlight inserts providing access to the expansive foyer. Arched ceilings dominate the former congregational high stud space beyond the foyer and numerous picturesque windows provide a light, airy feel and an ambience many office buildings lack. The building housed congregational and Sunday school services for 70 years until it was sold and converted into office space in 2003. A significant refurbishment was also carried out with care taken to ensure that the building's distinctive character remained intact. Special architectural ...

Grace Brothers

We have 2 new chickens, both black ladies. If any of you are familiar with British comedy tv shows you will recognize the names we have given them. This one is named Miss Brahms. And this one is named Mrs Slocombe. At the moment we have them in a temporary shelter next to the Special Patrol Group that we've had for the last 9 months just so they can get to know each other before we intigrate the black ones in with the brown ones. These ones give us a white coloured egg whereas the brown shavers give us brown coloured eggs. Linking up with Tuesday Treasures , Happy Tuesdays and Wordless Wednesday .

Vondel

I nthe heart of Devonport in Auckland is this little block of businesses. In my younger days I worked in this suburb as a legal typist for lawyers and to see it now as it is, it's made many changes over the years. This building is surrounded by older style buildings in the main street with businesses such as shoe shops, clothing shops, professionals, cafes, bars, restaurants etc. It's a very upmarket suburb with quite expensive houses along the waterfront. Vondel in the above photo is a restaurant but upon looking up their website, there wasn't alot of information about who they are. Linking up with Weekend Reflections and the Weekend Roundup .

Susan Heather said…

Several years ago when we still lived north of Kaitaia about twenty of us went there for our Christmas lunch.

Have been there more recently to meet an old school friend (I went to school in England). The meal was delicious.

13 January 2019 at 17:53

Billy Blue Eyes said…

The real Duke of Marlborough lives at a place called Blenhem Palace around 25 miles from where I live, wonder if the convict came from around Oxfordshire

13 January 2019 at 22:26

Bill said…

That looks like a mighty fine place, I love the outside with that impressive tree. Your meal looks really mouth watering.
Have a wonderful day, Amy.

14 January 2019 at 00:41

PerthDailyPhoto said…

This rascal would love to be refreshed here Amy, looks amazing!

14 January 2019 at 01:59

Sharon said…

What a great looking place to stay with a fabulous view. And, the food looks yummy too.

14 January 2019 at 04:12

William Kendall said…

Beautiful architecture!

14 January 2019 at 07:45

Jim said…

It looks beautiful.

15 January 2019 at 08:38

Fun60 said…

An interesting, beautiful building.

15 January 2019 at 09:33

Murthy K v v s said…

I like the interiors very much.

15 January 2019 at 23:51

Graham Edwards said…

That's a beautiful old building and the interior is so restful.

16 January 2019 at 00:45

Run 'n Stitch said…

Thank you for sharing these lovely hotel photos. It's great when homes and hotels are given the love and patience that keeps them viable for over 200 years. The tuna looks melt-in-your mouth delicious.

16 January 2019 at 13:49

Rhonda Albom said…

I've visited that hotel too. It's a good place for a drink.

18 January 2019 at 01:53