Andrew Sharp moving on

Dear Editor,

After twenty-two years as owner of The Playhouse (formerly Central) Hotel, the time has come for me to pass it on to a new owner. I am delighted that Rachel Bennewitz is taking over. She is a warm and friendly person who is excited to join the Barraba community, and she brings the right mix of skills needed to run this complex and much-loved business. I wish her every success.

As I take my leave, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the people of Barraba, who since December 2003 have shown such generous and consistent support for this hotel and what it has become.

A hotel has stood on the corner of Maude and Queen Streets since the earliest days of the town. The current building, erected in 1905 as The Central Hotel, enjoyed many prosperous decades before gradually declining, as so many country pubs have done. When I arrived in Barraba in late 2002, the hotel was struggling to survive.

At the time, I became involved in a community effort to restore Clifton Hall as a picture theatre. Although that project ultimately proved unfeasible, my involvement opened my eyes to what a remarkable community this is, and how warmly newcomers are welcomed. Having lived overseas for many years, I could also see what a precious resource Australia’s small country town are. All I needed was a reason to stay.

When The Central Hotel came onto the market, running a pub was the last thing on my mind. My background was in showbusiness, not hospitality. But when I discovered an abandoned old pool hall hidden inside the building and realised its potential as a small theatre, the idea took hold.

Over the next three years, with the help of architect Joanne McKid, builder Adrian Hawkins, and a large team of tradespeople, designers and suppliers, the building was transformed into The Playhouse Hotel. In the early days there was understandable caution. What we were attempting was unusual, and there were no guarantees. I had my doubts too.

When we opened in May 2007, I was completely inexperienced in hospitality and business. I proceeded to make most of the mistakes possible. That was when this community truly showed its character. Locals responded with generosity, patience, good humour and unwavering support.

People didn’t just come as customers. Over the years, dozens of locals have worked here in many different roles, and to every one of them I offer my heartfelt thanks. Together, we have shared parties, concerts, plays, films, weddings, celebrations of all kinds, and welcomed thousands of overnight guests.

After nearly twenty years, I leave with a heart full of gratitude and happy memories.

Thank you, Barraba, for the adventure of a lifetime — and welcome to Rachel, who is about to begin her own.

Yours sincerely,

Andrew Sharp