A building with a significant history in the township of Scone, The Thoroughbred has had many tales to tell. Originally known as the Crown and Anchor opening in the 1800's, it was then named The Empire in 1915 when the current building was established, before finally becoming The Thoroughbred Hotel as most locals know it today.
Re-opening its doors in the coming weeks, The Thoroughbred will lose
it's 'hotel identity', but gain a much needed facelift with facilities to
match. Featuring a high quality bakery, upmarket restaurant, bar, gaming, and
12 fully renovated rooms upstairs for accommodation, it is set to be a
highlight for locals and visitors alike.
In addition to the
renovations, new owner Peter Allen and local design and marketing consultant
Kriston Harris, have taken a unique path with the interior design and marketing
of the business. Taking into consideration that Scone is the Horse Capital of
Australia and in an effort to support one of our biggest local industries, the
thoroughbred theme has been kept right throughout the building, with plans to
showcase the local thoroughbred racing and breeding history, past and present
throughout the venue.
"We have so many
amazing local icons, stories and achievements born and bred out of this area,
it only seemed right to showcase these legacies in such a fitting scenario,"
says Allen.
"We want to make it a venue that the community feels a part of and
is proud of for years to come."
One particular local equine legend, Mr Bill Howey has played a large part in the project. The connection came at impeccable timing, coinciding with Mr Howey's launch of his new book; A History of Thoroughbred Breeding In The Hunter Valley.
One particular local equine legend, Mr Bill Howey has played a large part in the project. The connection came at impeccable timing, coinciding with Mr Howey's launch of his new book; A History of Thoroughbred Breeding In The Hunter Valley.
The book which Howey
describes as a compilation targeting the more recent generation has been a key
reference source for new venture.
"Bill's knowledge of the local area and
equine history has been instrumental in the development of this project," said
Allen.
"It is an honour to be working with someone of his stature and
expertise, and hope that together we can provide the local public something to
be proud of for years to come."
Mr Allen, who also owns a hotel in a popular part of Melbourne, has left no stone unturned in the re-vamp of the building, testifying that quality is the key. As part of the grand plan, a lot of structural work has gone into the building to ensure its continued longevity and all efforts will be made on the hospitality side of things in order to hit the ground running when it re-opens its doors to the public.
"We have put a lot of thought and effort into this project," says Allen.
Mr Allen, who also owns a hotel in a popular part of Melbourne, has left no stone unturned in the re-vamp of the building, testifying that quality is the key. As part of the grand plan, a lot of structural work has gone into the building to ensure its continued longevity and all efforts will be made on the hospitality side of things in order to hit the ground running when it re-opens its doors to the public.
"We have put a lot of thought and effort into this project," says Allen.
"We
have tried to get as many local people involved as possible and will be looking
to employ locally also. We have had a great deal of support from the
Thoroughbred racing and breeding industry in regards to fitting out the
interior with local history and memorabilia and have been so lucky to have some
particular industry legends assist us with this project. We really hope it
turns out to be the iconic venue that we envision it to be."
An announcement will be made over the coming weeks with an official opening
date.
