The Metroplitan dates from the late 1800’s and was opened by James Hutton formerly of the Royal Hotel. Some of the known early licensees were: Walter St Leon 1892, Charles Wynne 1901 and F Russell in 1902. During the tenure of Charles Wynne water tanks were erected for use by the fire brigade on what is now the Coles site.
1. The Royal Hotel(No longer Standing)
The Royal Hotel was situated in Gipps St. on the site of the present BP Service Station. Built by Nicholas Bouquet it ceased operation in 1917 after approximately 40 years of trading. The Royal had a strong association with the racing fraternity with a number of its publicans being racing men. The Royal was frequented by large gangs of road workers who came to work in the district. At one point, the Royal was selling the cheapest beer in town which in turn forced the other hotels to lower their prices. It was later used as a boarding house and private home. The building was still standing in August 1946 when a strong gale damaged part of the ro
2. The Central HotelThe Central Hotel – 2
Architecturally, the Central shows evidence of Victorian, Federation and Art Deco styles. The two major periods of construction were late Victorian, when the building was first constructed (1895), then Art Deco alterations during the 1930’s, principally to the facade. The Victorian roofing pattern and chimneys can be seen behind the current facade.
Of particular note is the archway leading from the street to the stables at the rear of the building. “The stables (built of brick) which are 88ft x 25ft, contain 4 horse boxes, 8 stalls and 2 harness rooms. The boxes and stalls are paved with wooden blocks. There are lofts over the whole length of the stables, and an extensive buggy shed along the side.” Bega Standard 2 July 1895. The yard accommodation was so great that an eight-in-hand could easily turn in it. The stables remain in good original condition.
The site, including Connelly’s store built 1887, was purchased by Daniel Gowing, an important early settler to the district. The store was then reconstructed into the larger hotel by Thatcher and Underhill.
At the turn of the 20th century the Central was an important stopping point for commercial travelers. During 1907, 1908 and 1911 it also enjoyed the patronage of the Govenor-General and was described as the leading commercial house of the South Coast, (Bega Budget 1907, Southern Star 1911).
By 1930, extensive renovations were completed when the bar was removed to the lower portion of the building and by 1937 over 7000 pounds was spent in transforming the appearance and renovating the interior. Most of this occurred after Tooheys Brewery purchased the license. From 1947 to 1992 the Central operated as a private hotel and has at various times since, operated as a function centre.
3. The Bega HotelMr Charles Fox Hotel Begs is building extensions to the hotel. He purchased the buildings of the Hergenhan Estate adjoining and will have them reconstructed and added to the hotel. The Hotel Begs will then be one of the most commodious and up-to-date on the coast.
Club HotelsThe Club Hotel was a two storied wooden building on the corner of Carp and Church Streets built in the late 1800’s. It was often referred to as the Rose Hotel as it had a prolific rose climbing up the side of the building. The Club was first operated by the McNamara family changing hands a number of times afterwards. In 1887 a fire started in the hotel stables which was extinguished by a bucket brigade after Edward Brown raised the alarm by ringing the Bell of St. Johns (Anglican Church) at theother end of Church St. The Hotel closed on Friday 10th September 1909 and the building housed a drapery run by Rodd and Cheg until the Depression. It was subsequently remodeled and operated as the Neon Cafe for many years. During the late 1980’s and early 1990’s the building was further remodeled to the building that exists today.
5. The Imperial & Club Hotels
The Imperial & Club Hotels – 5a & 5b
The Royal Hotel, Bega, which has just closed up in accordance with the Local Option Court, had many licensees during its career of nearly 40 years. It was opened by the late “Jimmy” Kiss, who sold to Mr. Thos. Mooney, who later on passed it on to his brother “Mick.” Then Mr. James Hutton had it for years. Those were the days in which Rixon and Macleod’s sale yards were situated just above the hotel and it used to be a very busy spot on market days. Later on Mr. Hutton moved out and opened the Metropolitan Hotel, the Royal passing to Mr. Plowright (from Bombala). The late Tom. Dunn (also from Boinbala) next took it, and did a lively business for some years, navvies and others coining from long distances to knock their cheques down at Dunn’s and they used to make big cheques in those times. Mr. Dunn later on came down to the Occidental, and sold the Royal to Mr. “Joe” M’Kee (now of Towamba), who in turn sold to Mr. “Jack” Deanelly. Then came the late “Jack” Gay, who was killed at Cooma a few years back, and from him it passed to Mr. Brice, and later on to Mr. Hill (who died there). It was Mr. Hill who brought the price of beers down to 3d in Bega, and the other hotels, although holding out for some time, soon followed suit. Mr. P. M’Guinness and Mr. D. Lambert followed as licensees, and then Mr. Ralph Kavanagh held it for sowa time, and Captain Wilson was the last to grace its halls. The old place has seen some lively times,
The Central Hotel This splendid hotel was opened on Saturday night last. The lessee is Mr Dickson, who is an experienced hotel manager.The site of the Central is Connelly’s old store in Gipps Street, which was purchased some time ago by Mr D. Gowing, of Jellat Jellat.In addition to the store the premises, properties adjoining were also acquired and used for building purposes.In the main building, on entering the vestibule and turning to the right, are bar parlor, bar and office, while opposite these are dining room 25 x 14 and parlor.In a passage leading from the dining room, are two bedrooms, pantry, kitchen, scullery, and store room, and at the rear are two other bedrooms.Going upstairs, in the front is a commercial room and a drawing room, which are connected by folding doors, and can be thrown into one room, 46.5 x 15 feet. There are two bathrooms, which are supplied with cold water from a tank in the roof, or with hot water supplied by a gas apparatus.Facing Gipps street is also the billiard room. This room is 34.6 x 26.3 and has two oriel windows.The right of way between the main building and the sample rooms are 13.5 feet. The sample rooms are three in number and are each 17 x 17 feet, adjoining these is a shop 20ft x l2ft, and at the rear of the shop is a sitting room 13ft x 12ft. The architect of the building is Mr Thatcher who deserves great credit for the convenience of the design.Messrs. Underhill and Thatcher the contractors have executed their work in their usual trustworthy style. Axel and Smith were the sub contractors for the brickwork and put in good substantial work, while Lever the sub contractor for the plastering deserves the highest praise for the excellence and for the beauty of his cornice designs.The painting was in the hands of Mr Surplice who has performed his part faithfully. Mr Dickson has displayed great artistic talent in the decorating of the vestibule and bar. Entering the latter, the first impression one has is that he is in the marble bar. The stables which are 88ft x 25ft, contain four horse boxes, eight stalls and two harness rooms. The boxes and stalls are paved with wooden blocks. There are lofts over the whole length of the stables, and an extensive buggy shed along the side.The yard accommodation is so great that an eight-in-hand could easily be turned in it. Water iS supplied by huge underground tanks.Without doubt the hotel is one of the most commodious outside Sydney, and we trust it will be a paying concern not only to the owner but also to the Lessee.The Bega Standard, Tuesday, July 2, 1895