Aaron Rutter, The Gundaroo Inn. Photo: Maker and Seller.
There’s a new lease on life for The Gundaroo Inn as a new local takes over the reins of the historic establishment. The pub, which has 152 years of history, struggled under the pressure of COVID-19 and has changed hands several times in the past few years. For much of its history it was known as Crowe’s Wine Bar, and then The Gundaroo Colonial Inn.
New Gundaroo resident Aaron Rutter has put his hand up to be the publican of the storied establishment, and promises to bring stability to the pub.
Aaron’s previous work has been in the arts and entertainment as the owner of a Spiegeltent (a pop-up performance venue) running cabaret, circus, musical theatre and theatrical performances between Canberra and Sydney. His parents still live in the area, and he moved to Gundaroo around a year ago with his young family.
His previous experience in events shines through his ambitions for the inn.
“I want to bolster the events calendar for the inn and utilise the courtyard more through the warm months. We’re hosting Sunday summer barbecue sessions where we will have live music and invite guest chefs from Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne,” Aaron said.
The outdoor barbecue will be put to good use over the summer. Photo: Maker and Seller.
Acknowledging the local history of the pub is important to Aaron too: he’s keen to make sure the local community feels at home in the space and is kicking off his tenure with a ‘postcode discount’ so that Gundaroo residents can visit for an affordable night out.
“The Gundaroo Inn used to be the place to be, but with closure over COVID which was followed by a period of instability with several managers rotating through the pub, it will take time to build up again,” Aaron said.
“But the trajectory is already on the up.”
Create Catering – owned by restaurateur Anthony Whitehouse – currently owns the lease on the inn. The business also recently took on the lease for Pialligo Estate in Canberra.
The Gundaroo Inn holds the oldest liquor licence in NSW. Photo: Maker and Seller.
Aaron’s arrival comes at a time of growth for Gundaroo as the town was recently awarded bronze in the Tiny Tourism category of the Top Tourism Town award. The Tiny Tourism category recognises towns with a population of fewer than 1500 people. Gundaroo clocks in at around 1384 residents.
In-house bistro The Loose Goat will continue to serve up pub classics made from local, seasonal produce. Aaron is partnering with the local growers club to source ingredients and new head chef Karlos Harrington (previously from QT Capitol Bar & Grill and Bookplate) has also come on board. The bottle shop will grow to become a local larder filled where people can grab gourmet treats and produce from around the region.
Aaron is a self-described foodie, but reassured lovers of classic pub fare “a pub is not a pub without a parmi”.
We’ll drink to that!
The Gundaroo Inn is located at 23 Cork Street, Gundaroo, NSW.
Follow The Gundaroo Inn on Instagram or Facebook, and visit its website for information about accommodation.
The bar and restaurant are open Tuesday and Wednesday from 3 to 9 pm, and Thursday to Sunday from midday to 9 pm.
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