situated 16 km north of Alexandra beside SH85 surrounded by farmland and with the Central Otago Rail Trail at its back door it is a place where time isn't measured by the hour, it's measured by good conversation, good food and by the glass. The historic Chatto Creek Tavern Est. 1886 is constructed of 18-inch thick schist stone walls which allow it to be cool in summer and warm in winter. The bar h
as an extensive collection of antique guns, photographs and historic artefacts. The tree-shaded beer garden extends to the Central Otago Rail Trail and incorporates the smallest operating Post Office in New Zealand and the Chatto Creek gold mining dredge and pontoon dating from 1898. Grant and Fiona are the current custodians of the 135-year-old Chatto Creek Tavern, and took it over in November 2020, after seeing it for sale on a road trip to visit Grant's mum in Invercargill. They are loving the amazing surroundings, locals, and Fiona is building up a collection of cute animals to bring smiles to everyone who visits. Of course the iconic Donkeys Henry and Honky still reign supreme. It is important to acknowledge the Taverns past history to have an understanding of it's relevance to the current Chatto Creek Community...
THE HISTORY OF CHATTO CREEK TAVERN
Chatto Creek Tavern was built in 1886. The original Hotel was called the Three Horse Shoes and was established as a rest stop for the bullock trains and Cobb and Co. It was originally constructed of rough timber and canvas but sadly it burnt down. The new hotel was built on its current site and was constructed of stacked stone and mud-brick with walls 18 inches thick and most importantly it was fireproof. It consisted of seven bedrooms, a bar and a parlour. John and Rachel Heyward were the first proprietors. Johns's demise, unfortunately, came three months after opening when he tragically fell on a pitchfork and bled to death. Today his presence can be felt out in the woodshed; not a place to linger. Rachel Rebecca Heyward, quickly married Donald Gunn and then Donald Asquith and finally George Smith to ensure she could run her beloved Tavern as at the time in history women were not permitted to operate a licenced establishment. After 21 years the Tavern was sold to Gertrude and Daniel Ross. Daniel died and Gertrude ran it for 26 years with the support of young married couples. The husbands holding the licence and working as rabbiters at nearby Moutere Station during the week and returning on Friday afternoon in time to write the cheques for the 'grog' and groceries. Two generations of the Scott family then became the proprietors operating the Tavern for the next 42 years. Ted Scott is still legendry today for his pipe, the keg on top of the bar with a wet sack over it in the summer and serving frozen beer in the winter while waiting for the keg to thaw. Four publicans later, Lesley and her husband Owen moved in on Christmas day 1999. Owen passed away in 2004. Lesley then assumed the role as publican and with history repeating itself she followed the tradition of strong-willed, independent women owners that came before her. Lesley sold Chatto Creek to Grant and Fiona in November 2020 and is enjoying her well deserved retirement. Grant and Fiona will continue to ensure Chatto Creek remains a Community space while adding their own touches to both the Tavern and the gardens...
