FEATURE STORY
The Abermain hotel affectionately known as Griffo's, has changed hands and undergone an internal face-lift breathing new life into the 115 year-old beauty...
If you're not a local and have ever driven through Abermain then you may be thinking, hotel? What hotel?
Fair enough. You do have to turn off the main road, go under the bridge, and look a little harder to find this gem, but once you do, you won't forget it.
Built in 1905, the hotel has the historic appeal of many local Hunter pubs and could sure tell a story or two.
But the hard work of new owner Jade Smith and his family has also given the grand old pub a modern twist.
"We took over in September last year and basically started work right away. We closed up and ripped out all the carpet to restore the original timber and repainted with a soft grey and white colour scheme. We also refurbished the beer garden out the back."
Built in 1905, the hotel has the historic appeal of many Hunter pubs and could sure tell a story or two. But the hard work of new owner Jade Smith and his family has also given the grand old pub a modern twist...
Working alongside his brother Rob and father Wayne, Jade was determined to see the hotel flourish and once initial works were complete, the hotel re-opened for business while he planned the next stage of renovations.
"Next came our food offering. We looked for the right chef for a long time before we found Guy, a local from Aberdare who did part of his apprenticeship at Harrigan's and who also worked in other Hunter Valley pubs around the area."
"His food tastes great with lots of flavour and while it is traditional pub food, it's good pub food. Everyone loves the steaks and the schnitzels, but for me I think the calamari is something special."