Gardies Closure

It is a sad day in scarfieville, with the news that iconic University of Otago pub the Gardens Tavern has been sold to the University and will soon close as a pub. The sale took place in the face of a student and Mark Ellis-led bid to raise community cash to purchase the Tavern and continue to run it.

I'm not surprised that the Gardies was put up for sale, or for that matter that the University bought it. The Gardies is in the middle of a dense residential area and has been unsuccessful in attempts to have its liquor licence extended past midnight at the weekend and 11p.m. on weeknights. This, combined with the changing drinking habits of students who pre-load at home prior to going out means that the market window for the Gardies was very small. Even if the Gardies was retained, the new owners would have had to think long and hard about the business model used and the products available to draw punters in.

The University will probably use the land for accommodation in a similar way to the post-grad accommodation at the former Abbey Lodge across the road. Further signs of confidence in the Uni's growth prospects. With the Bowler and Gardies now gone I hope there are sufficient watering holes for the increased numbers to go!

I look forward to the final party. Might have to go in disguise.....