Sláinte! Hennessy's announces re-opening (+ video)

It will be a bit of the old mixed with a bit of the new at Rotorua's only Irish bar when Hennessy's re-opens next month.

The bar on Tutanekai St was closed in March for demolition to make way for a $2 million-plus development that's expected to create up to 20 new jobs.

Operations manager Sue Burnett said work was well on track to be finished in time for the official opening function on December 13.

But, before that, Ms Burnett said the bar would open for two occasions that would serve as test runs before the big day.

"We wanted to treat our Guinness club members to their own special night. Many of them were here when we opened for the first time 14 years ago."

Loyal Guinness club members will get the first taste of the new bar on December 9.

The next night the bar will also open for the screening of the Joseph Parker boxing world title fight. Tickets will be on sale for the event next door at Jubilee Deli & Bar from today .

The bar will then open to the public from 4pm on December 14, and from then, from 8am every day.

As for what people can expect to see inside the new bar, Ms Burnett said the layout would be much the same with some of the old fittings, including the bar and booths, being re-used, along with decades-old leadlight windows.

The total size of the bar will be larger, with a state-of-the-art kitchen and beer delivery system, as well as a larger outside dining area.

"We really want to carry on our tradition of supporting sporting events too, and are looking forward to the [British and Irish] Lions tour next year, we already have five tour groups booked and have plans for some great entertainment during the tour."

Ms Burnett said the timing of the re-opening was good with Rotorua in the middle of a tourism boom, but added its locals were the most important part of the bar.

"People were genuinely sad to see the old place go when it was knocked down, but we are sure they are going to love the new bar."