Transforming a historic Queenstown business earned Cargo Gantley’s Pub the Supreme Award at the Lion Hospitality Awards for Excellence 2022.
Cargo Brewery owners Malcolm and Meron Blakey have spent the past two years developing the new hospitality venture.
“Our team entered the awards as we felt we really transformed the venue throughout the challenging COVID years. We wanted to share with the industry the changes we made,” says Malcolm.
“We were over the moon to win Best New/Redeveloped Hospitality Business but being named the Supreme Winner was down to the hard work our entire team put in to make the venue as special as it is.”
Historic renovation
Gantley’s is Queenstown’s oldest hospitality business, which dates back to the city’s early settlement.
“We’ve been loyal to Gantley’s history and we’re excited that Cargo can continue to provide the hospitality that travellers and locals have enjoyed in the building for more than 150 years.
“It had been a popular fine dining restaurant in the past, but we always felt it would thrive as a pub/casual restaurant.
“It was great to compare the before and after photos of the venue in the Hospitality Awards application – the venue has changed completely.”
The renovation has included two new dining areas, bathrooms, a bar and a deck – complete with a louvre roof and heating.
“The latest addition is a vlogging lounge designed to connect visiting summer and winter athletes to their communities and make it easy for them to promote Queenstown.”
COVID challenges
A month after taking over Gantley’s in February 2020, the business had to close for the first COVID-19 lockdown.
“The past two years have been a struggle but with the support of our landlord we were able to keep working on Gantley’s to transform it into what it is today.
“We were committed to finishing what we started.”
More to come
Malcolm says winning the Supreme Award has “given us a boost of energy for what we’re planning next”.
The next addition to Cargo Gantley’s is a multi-purpose event space with a through-glass view into Cargo’s new brewery. Construction is planned to begin in Spring.
“The building has been designed to complement the historic Gantley’s building with plenty of schist and a similar roof line,” says Malcolm.
“It will be a versatile space that can be set up in many ways, depending on the event. Large glass sliding doors will open the inside space up into the beer garden. It will hold 200 seated and about 250 standing.
“This will be a great asset for Arthurs Point and can be used for a wide range of community events.”
