Ever wanted to own a pub? The historic Willawarrin Hotel might be your chance

Turning 100 next year, the Willawarrin Hotel remains on the market for $600,000.

The Mid North Coaster spoke to the current owner, 24-year-old Cooper Gray, who has run the hotel for the past two-and-a-half years and is “pretty keen to explore the world”.

When asked the reason for buying the hotel, Gray said: “I don't know really. I liked the idea of it at the start. Yeah, just thought I'd have a go at it. Other than that I don't really know why I did it to be honest."

Born and bred in Kempsey, Gray was a regular at the hotel before deciding to become owner.

“I've been coming up here my whole life.” Gray said. “It was the local drinking pub when I bought it, for me too, so that was the main reason.”

No rest when you own a pub

Gray said that while running the hotel has been “not too bad”, it’s an all-consuming role.

“It takes your whole life sort of thing, I’m here everyday.”

During his time, Gray has kept the hotel open everyday of the year, bar two – Christmas and New Year’s day.

Ready to see the world

Provided the hotel sells, Gray and his partner are planning to head to Canada at the end of next year for at least 12 months. 

Gray is not a skier or snowboarder - he grew up riding motorbikes - but said “there’s always something to learn”.

The pair plan to visit America and Alaska, too.

Bistro and beer garden

About 30km northwest of Kempsey, the pub sits on around four acres on Main Street, Willawarrin.

The hotel does not have pokies or a TAB, but does sell Keno tickets. It has  accommodation, a bistro that currently opens for lunch Friday to Sunday, and a beer garden.

But the history of the hotel is its main selling point, according to Gray.

“People like the age of it, that it’s still here,” he said.

Willawarrin Hotel is on offer for $600,000, plus stock.