Last orders at tavern

Press, 13 May 1986, Page 5

Last orders at tavern

Christchurch will lose another of its historic landmarks later this year when the Grenadier Tavern is demolished. The tavern has been bought by Paynter Holdings, Ltd, which plans to build a five-storey modern office block.

The present owner, Mr Meredith Wilson, said that since the demolition announcement a lot of “misty-eyed” people had been to the tavern for a drink.

“It’s a hotel that has touched most people at some stage — they have either drunk here or driven past It seems to touch everybody — I don’t think you have to be a drinker to have a feel for the place,” he said.

The problem was that it has been economically impossible to make the tavern run as a business, Mr Wilson said.

“If everybody was as upset as they make out they would be drinking here to make sure it didn’t get pulled down — instead they go to drink in the modern places. People have two hats and they wear what suits them — it is time Christchurch people put their action where their mouths are.

“I look round on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and these so-called people who love the Gren are not there. If people want to see these buildings remain they must support the businesses in them.”

Mr Wilson bought the tavern about 18 months ago. To restore the building to its former glory would cost at least $500,000, he said.