THE Thoroughbred Hotel will soon open its doors to a new beginning.
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Previously known as one of the ‘quieter locals’, it’s soon to be quite the opposite with big plans to re-establish the building as a prominent social attraction in Scone.
With new branding and a serious facelift, The Thoroughbred will provide the local area with a high-quality bakery, upmarket restaurant, bar and accommodation facilities.
Peter Allen, a Victorian-based business developer, saw the opportunity on a previous employment stint within Scone and, given the prime location of the building and ample off street parking, thought that the venue presented the perfect opportunity to provide the area with what it has been missing.
“I had always liked the township of Scone and thought that this would be a fantastic opportunity as every small town needs a good bakery,” Mr Allen said.
“The building holds a lot of its original heritage appeal and has quite a presence in the main street, so it will be nice to see it restored into some of its former glory and hopefully see it eventuate as an iconic venue within the town.”
In addition to the development, Mr Allen has taken a unique path with the interior design and marketing of the business, utilising the opportunity and sticking with the theme of the building by planning to showcase the local racing and breeding history, past and present.
“We have started working with a few local racing and breeding icons and also stud farms to gather as much imagery and memorabilia as possible to showcase throughout the building”, he said.
“With so many visitors to the area from all over the world visiting local farms and for major events, we thought it would be a great opportunity to capitalise on the Thoroughbred market and give the local area something to really be proud of.
![BIG PLANS: Kriston Harris, Bill Howey and Peter Allen outside The Thoroughbred Hotel this week. BIG PLANS: Kriston Harris, Bill Howey and Peter Allen outside The Thoroughbred Hotel this week.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/4Q8wfvUYYerAhErgTbY7Y2/9c42b8d4-25a7-4a5e-a5b9-011161218078.JPG/r0_482_4928_3264_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
“We are of course the Horse Capital of Australia. We want this to be a niche venue for them to visit.
“Not only a nice place to have a bite to eat or stay a night, but rather a place that also gives them an insight to the proud local history that makes this area what it is today.”
One particular local equine legend, Bill Howey, has been assisting Mr Allen and local design and marketing consultant Kriston Harris with the project.
The connection came at impeccable timing, coinciding with Mr Howey’s recent launch of his new book; A History of Thoroughbred Breeding In The Hunter Valley.
The book, which Mr Howey describes as a compilation targeting the more recent generation, will be a key reference source for the new venture.
“Bill’s knowledge of the local area and equine history has been instrumental in the development of this project,” Mr Allen said.
“It is an honour to be working with someone of his stature and expertise, and I hope that together we can provide the local public with something to be proud of for years to come.”
On completion of the renovations, The Thoroughbred will re-open its doors with a fully-fledged bakery, formal and casual dining, bar and VIP lounge, and 12 comfortable rooms for accommodation.