For the past 18 years, the Gateway Hotel has been known as a venue that is safe, inclusive and home to some great entertainment.
According to licensee Paul Curtis, those attributes will remain key to the ongoing success of the venue when it re-opens in March as The Newcastle Hotel.
“We have always been proud that our venue has the reputation of being a safe place where people can feel comfortable in their own skin,” he said.
“That is something we really want to hold on to, and in fact, extend to the wider community.
“Under its new name, The Newcastle Hotel, we want everyone from local residents to members of the broader community to feel as though they have a place that feels comfortable and inviting. A place that feels like home.”
The new-look venue will be launched in early March with a focus on customer experience, great service and diverse entertainment, including live music.
“This has taken a lot of planning and throughout the process we wanted to make sure The Newcastle Hotel would cater for everyone. That was always our goal. Not to exclude anyone, but to welcome everyone.
“In doing this we understand there are some members of the LGBTIQ community who may feel let down by the change, but it is not about losing anything. This is about gaining something. A venue that is inclusive and fun that will provide something for our local community.”
Mr Curtis said The Newcastle Hotel would focus on creating broad appeal for all Novocastrians through a variety of entertainment, food and diversity.
“Our focus will be on the customer experience and that means great service, great staff, and great entertainment with enough variety to ensure everyone is catered for,” he said.
“This has taken a lot of planning and throughout the process we wanted to make sure The Newcastle Hotel would cater for everyone. That was always our goal. Not to exclude anyone, but to welcome everyone.''
As The Newcastle Hotel, the venue will still incorporate the Small Ballroom and Mr Curtis said he is looking forward to hosting some exciting entertainment throughout 2018.
“The Small Ballroom is a fantastic venue that is well equipped to showcase all kinds of entertainment,” he said.
“We will be providing live shows with local bands, Australian bands and international touring acts all smashing out gigs throughout 2018. This will be coupled with electronic music nights based around particular styles and genres utilising local DJ’s and some of the largest up and coming names in the music world.
To mark the end of The Gateway Hotel, a Last Dance farewell event will be held this Saturday, 17 February. The night will feature long-standing resident Tam ward playing all the favourites and karaoke in the front bar.
*Small Ballroom image provided by Swamp House Photography
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