The Gonville community will again have a watering hole to call its own.
The bar at 5A Puriri St next door to the Gonville TAB has been rebranded Scooters and will officially open at 11am today. Officially known as Scooters Gonville Sports Bar, the new tag reflects the nickname of incoming
publican Mark 'Scooter' Wheeler.
The bar has operated under several different licensees in recent years, but for a variety of reasons has not survived. Under Mr Wheeler's experienced eye, however, that is all about to change.
"Scooter" Wheeler is a well-known publican in Wanganui circles, having a wealth of experience dating back to his days as a 15-year-old "flagon filler" at dad Lindsay's pub in Levin.
The family moved to Wanganui and Lindsay took over the reins of the popular Fosters Hotel (now Stellar) and Mr Wheeler again worked for his dad for nearly six years. He also spent time as assistant manager for brewery-owned hostelries, including a stint down south. In fact, during the final few months of the Federal Hotel's long Wanganui life, "Scooter" was manager.
In more recent times he ran his own establishment, The Post Office Hotel in Foxton.
The lure of liquor proved a potent trigger in his decision to return to Wanganui and when the opportunity came to take on the Gonville bar he could not resist.
"This bar has got huge potential with the right sort of attitude. Its location in Gonville right next door to the TAB is ideal. The TAB team next door are right behind us and we have known each other for quite some time," Mr Wheeler said.
"There is no bar between town and Castlecliff and with the way attitudes are quite rightly changing toward drinking and driving, we are in the perfect position to create a focal point for the Gonville community."
Scooters Gonville Sports Bar is planning a momentous opening with significantly discounted prices, lucky spot prizes, including TAB betting vouchers and food.
