Historic Naracoorte Pub Back After Five-Year Closure
After sitting closed for nearly five years, Naracoorte’s historic Kincraig Hotel is officially back open, and locals are wasting no time heading through the doors.
The landmark pub reopened last month following a multi-million-dollar refurbishment by new owners, the Dean Group, with venue manager Zac Andrews saying the response from the community has been overwhelming.
“The community support’s been incredible, it’s quite humbling,” he said.
“Everyone’s really enjoying the food and the decor, leaning into the 1930s heritage. It’s very Art Deco.”
Established in 1930, the Kincraig Hotel has long been part of the fabric of Naracoorte, which sits in the heart of the Limestone Coast region.
With the Naracoorte Caves, Coonawarra wine region and wetlands all nearby, Zac said the goal was to create more than just a pub.
Becoming a Limestone Coast Hub
“Our focus with the whole reno, our motto internally, is to become the heart of the Limestone Coast,” he said.
“Our whole plan was to be that hub where people could stop by. We’ve got access to the caves, the Coonawarra region, all of that.”
“We just wanted to make something central, and there was a big need for more accommodation in this area.”
The revamped venue now offers 23 accommodation rooms, helping fill a growing demand for places to stay in the region.
Backing Local Businesses
Zac said supporting local producers and businesses was a major focus throughout the redevelopment.
Tender Cuts Butchers in Naracoorte created a custom sausage exclusively for the hotel’s menu, which now features its own Kincraig bangers and mash.
“That’s been selling really well,” Zac said.
Local wool manufacturer MiniJumbuk also supplied all pillows and quilts used throughout the accommodation rooms.
“About three pallets rocked up, that was a lot of bedding,” he laughed.
A Familiar Face Behind the Bar
While the Kincraig may have a fresh new look, Zac is no stranger to the pub industry.
He started working at a Mount Gambier hotel at just 12 years old and says he simply “never stopped” from there.
His career has included stints in Adelaide, Whyalla and Mount Gambier, along with time working alongside his father Doug Andrews at the Carpenter Rocks Pub.
Before joining the Kincraig project, Zac spent three years managing the Bushman’s Arms Hotel.
He said reopening the Kincraig alongside a mostly new team has been one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
“Every other job I’ve ever had, you’ve always got a few experienced people that know the place like the back of their hand to lean on,” he said.
“Whereas this time, we’re all learning together.”
And judging by the buzz already building around the venue, the Kincraig Hotel looks set to once again become one of Naracoorte’s favourite meeting spots.
KINCRAIG HOTEL
158 Smith Street, Naracoorte
More information: thekincraig.com.au
