UK-style 'Dad'n'Lad' pub on its way

Trevor Willetts and his son Carl will transform the Mount Mellick bar into a 'Dad'n'Lad' pub. Photo / George Novak

Mount Mellick is set to get a fresh look.

Matamata man Carl Willetts and his father Trevor bought the bar from NZ First MP Clayton Mitchell a month ago and work has already started to revamp the pub.

Carl, who has 18 years of international bar, nightclub and pub management under his belt, said they wanted to bring the UK style "Dad'n'Lad" pub to New Zealand.

"A pub in the UK is not just a bar, it's a community centre," Carl said.

The vision was to create a place that became the community's second home, "an extension of your lounge", and a place to gather after sports games.

The search for the right pub began in September 2014 and the Mount Mellick was presented to them a few months later.

"We walked in and thought, 'yep, that's the one'," Carl said.

Now, one month since they took over ownership, the Willetts have begun revamping the pub.

"We're getting rid of the dark stained wood and lightening things up. Taking the wood back to its original."

Some walls would be removed or moved, the lighter interior would be fitted out with new furniture suitable for sit-down meals, and the men were also planning an outdoor area, Carl said.

"It's going to be a lot brighter and more welcoming ... Bit more female-friendly ... Bring it up to the UK standard."

The Mount Mellick would keep its name and its Irish style but refreshing the brand was on their 'to do' list.

Carl said they were lucky to be working in a pub where there was already a strong feeling of community, which they wanted to continue.

He loved "good live music that everyone can enjoy from 18 to 80" playing in the pub and hoped the open mic jam nights would develop into a platform for emerging local artists.

An English chef and ex-head-chef of a four-star hotel would be coming on board from March 2 with a new push to attract diners for lunch and dinner.

Former owner and founder Clayton Mitchell said that, after designing and building it in March 2002 and running it for nearly 13 years, "it was one we were very reluctant to sell".

However, his new commitments as an MP were moving his focus away and he was confident the new owners would do the place justice.

"It'll still be my local - I just don't own it anymore."