Gunnedah Hotel's new owner Luke Prout has some big plans

So much so he’s considering adding axe-throwing and beer of fortune to the entertainment options at the soon-to-be-revamped Gunnedah Hotel.

“The idea would be to set up cricket-net style – [and for safety] a locked gate to get in, and a locked toolbox in there,” Mr Prout explained about the axe-throwing idea.

Axe-throwing bars are big in the US and are gradually seeping into the Australian consciousness.

For Gunnedah, the pub’s general manager also wants there to be a craft beer element – and that’s where “beer of fortune” comes alive.

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“We would also purchase some old vending machines and we’ll pump random cans of beer in there, and then you pay and hit a button and you get what you get.”

Mr Prout, who also owns the Tamworth Hotel, recently bought the Gunnedah Hotel because he and business partner Dan Whitten were looking for a new challenge.

He has many other ideas in mind as well.

“I really want to rework the beer garden and probably bring in a different food offer,” Mr Prout said.

“We’re thinking of turning the food around every six to eight months; for example, have a Mexican style, then maybe move it to funky Italian or Spanish.”

First things first, though, is the hotel itself.

“Initially we will re-work the accommodation. It has 30 rooms so that’ll be a nice challenge.”

He will commute to and from Tamworth when the refurbishment begins, but will also set himself up in one of the 30 rooms to stay for a few nights at a time.

Mr Prout is also excited about the acts that will play there.

“I’ll be able to bring the musical acts I have here in Tamworth to Gunnedah,” he said.

Ultimately, the top priority for the publican is his customers.

“The main thing is listening to people and getting to know what they want,” Mr Prout said.

“A big thing for us is giving them choice and variety.”

In the future Mr Prout will hold a Meet the Publican night, where community members from Gunnedah can visit and voice their opinions.

“Beers will be on me and I’d love to hear people’s feedback on what they’d like out of the venue.”

He expects that the refurbishment will take about a year to complete.