The Hamilton Hotel: Revitalised, refreshed, and ready for you

With its central location, Hamilton Hotel is the place to be. Whether that be for a wonderful sit-down meal, a drink after a long day, or just a nice catch-up with friends.

Kirikiriroa Hamilton’s dining scene has got a lot more interesting with the historic Hamilton Hotel having had the transformation of a lifetime. Developed in connection with the new BNZ Theatre, the hotel has been revitalised into a must-visit for foodies and locals alike.

For co-owner and general manager Jonathan Knapp, this was more than just joining in and opening a restaurant; it was a passion and an opportunity to be involved in “something amazing” for Kirikiriroa Hamilton. Formerly the general manager at Mr Pickles, Knapp said “being the hospitality element of this little cultural hub is personally what’s drawn me to this project”.

Working alongside fellow Hamiltonians Mathew Pedley, John Moughan, and Alex Hudson, it was a golden opportunity for them to try to elevate and grow the community in the city.

This came about as a direct result of the BNZ Theatre project and the need for a hospitality element. The group of four were invited to make a pitch for Hamilton Hotel, which they did alongside Wonder Horse, Birdman, and Four Daughters, some of the other venues to check out in the precinct.

As part of the project, the entire facade of the building has been preserved, as well as elements like the window frames and the staircase from the 1923 rebuild, so it has a mix of both eras, as well as stylish modern interiors. Knapp said there was a strong team that designed the main elements of the restaurant and who were given inspiration from bistros in Paris and steakhouses in New York.

With the restaurant only having been open since November, “creating character, and atmosphere, and a vibe in a restaurant and a bar is something that’s always, always happening”, Knapp said. The vision for this project was for each venue to have its own personality while ensuring fundamental elements of great service. “From our perspective, that’s always a work in progress, right?” he continued to say.

According to Knapp, what sets the Hamilton Hotel apart, is the really great team that wants to be a part of what they’re trying to accomplish. He said there has been a lot of effort and energy into creating spaces that are unique from each other, and trying to offer something different for this city.

The Hamilton Hotel is having a successful revival thanks to the passion and hard work many people have put into this project. Offering a unique atmosphere and a sense of community, the Hamilton Hotel has created a warm and welcoming place for everyone to cherish.

Go and visit the Hamilton Hotel website here to book your next night out.

Christina Bianchi is a Year 1 Bachelor of Communication student. This is her first story for the Waikato Independent