Historic Kingaroy pub set to re-open

ONE of Kingaroy's oldest watering holes is set to re-open within a month with a new look.

ONE of Kingaroy's oldest watering holes is set to re-open within a month with a new look.

Moffatdale wine maker Jason Kinsella owns the Club Hotel building and has decided to manage the pub himself rather than rent it.

The previous leaseholders moved out in October last year and Mr Kinsella spent the past few months fixing up the building.

He's taking the pub back to the basics.

"We're trying to get back to the a good old-fashioned hotel," he said.

"There won't be any pokies there; instead, it'll be more a bar-type experience than what we're becoming used to these days.

"The whole place, over time, will get a makeover."

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The Club Hotel is Kingaroy's second oldest pub.

It opened in 1909 and served the town well until the First World War.

An influx of American and Australia soldiers prompted the then owners to renovate and the colonial wooden structure was replaced with the brick facades that still stand today.

"It's got a huge history, that's one of the things we're working through," Mr Kinsella said.

He has collected priceless photos and documents that detail this history for display.

The craft beer taps will return, and the pub will tie in with the neighbouring Indian restaurant to offer a tapas-style menu.

"We're certainly pretty excited," Mr Kinsella said.

The new-look pub will be aimed at an older demographic.

"Maybe people not in the 18-25 age group who are looking for something different," Mr Kinsella said.

"The other hotels in town are doing a fantastic job and we have to find a gap in the market where we can have an identity."