Located midway between Armidale and Glen Innes, in the New England region of NSW, trades the Royal Hotel at Guyra.
The Royal had a bit of a bumpy start to its 130 year history, with the license transferred from two different locations before settling into its current position in Bradley Street, where the popular pub has served up the golden nectar for the past 85 years (2021).
The first hotel licence in Guyra was granted to John Moore in the 1880s. Mr. H. Starr reportedly built the first Royal Hotel opposite Guyra Railway Station, which had previously traded “near Guyra”. The Armidale Express reported on June 30 1885:
John Alfred Moore applied for a removal of the publican’s license, held in respect of premises near Guyra to other premises at Guyra, to be known as the Royal Hotel. The application was granted, to take effect from the 1st of July.
The pub operated opposite the railway station from 1885 until 1936 when it was demolished and replaced at its current location with a much-smaller hotel at a cost of about £7000 by Edward Jones.
Lucky find in hotel.
During the demolition of the old Royal Hotel, Guyra, one of the workmen, in dismantling a window-sash in the bath room, found three half-sovereigns, the oldest dated 1883. Some traveller, possibly, had placed the coins on the window sill preparatory to having a morning shower, and the little gold pieces must have fallen into a crevice and were forgotten. The coins were well preserved. Several more half-sovereigns were found in clearing up the debris.
– Daily Examiner Tuesday 15 December 1936
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Categories: NSW hotels
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