General manager Gabrielle Clark pulls a beer in the new bistro bar at the William Farrer Hotel. Photographs: Chris Roe.
General manager Gabrielle Clark said the unveiling of the new William Farrer hotel was an emotional experience.
She confirmed the million dollar refurbishment was completed just in time for an Anzac Day relaunch.
“The pub was very dark and was probably overdue for renovations,” he said.
“Obviously, there’s a lot more natural light. It’s all open in the beer garden area, so you can have combined spaces for functions.
“We have our terrace still outside, but it’s also open to the garden and the play area. We’ve never had a play area before, so I hope families will come down to check it out.
The refurbished William Farrer Hotel now has a lighter look which leads to the new airy bistro.
Known locally as “The Faz,” the historic hotel has traded its deep brown exterior for a classic olive gray with white highlights.
The lighter look carries over to the new airy bistro, cast in creams and greens with a new wrap-around bar with brass and copper fittings and a white marble top.
Along with the huge playground out back, the new beer garden and terrace are bright and open with natural wood finishes.
“We opened on Saturday the 20th and the feedback has been so positive,” Gaby said.
“It was really emotional to see everyone, even our regulars who have been here for years, absolutely blown away by the renovation.”
The hotel’s new playground will be a big drawcard for families.
The place at the corner of Peter and Edward streets was established in 1879 and was called the Terminus Hotel.
The original one-story front was demolished and rebuilt in 1938 and its name was changed in honor of the pioneer of wheat farming William James Farrer.
The Faz was sold to Harvest Hotels in 2021 by the Barnhill family, who had operated the iconic pub for two decades, and the development application for the $1.5 million renovation was submitted in late 2022.
“We’ve 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 see the new arrival,” Gaby said.
“We’re gearing up for one of the biggest Anzac Days we’ve ever had.”
Harvest Hotels has also acquired the Victoria Hotel on Baylis Street for a record $29 million in 2022 and has signaled that renovations are on the way for the popular nightspot.
The William Farrer Hotel is located on the corner of Edward and Peter Streets, Wagga Wagga. Two-up starts at noon, and live music starts from 2pm. The courtesy bus will also run from 8pm until late.
