Whanganui’s Castle building sold, former restaurant relocates and renames

The iconic structure of The Castle Eatery and Bar may be demolished if consent is granted. Photo / NZME

A landmark castle-like property in Whanganui, most recently used for an Indian restaurant, is set to be demolished after being sold.

The 26 Liffiton St property has operated as a restaurant for nearly t25 years, opening as the Liffiton Castle Restaurant in 1980.

It was originally built as a villa in the early 1900s.

Since 2021, the property has operated as an Indian restaurant, The Castle Eatery and Bar, under Nanak Hospitality.

The property landlord, Neville Gorrie, said an agent made him an offer he could not refuse.

“I didn’t have it on the market or anything; the agent came to me,” Gorrie said.

“I’m 74 now. I’ve always had projects in my life but I have to say to myself that I haven’t got quite the fighting energy that I used to have.”

The former publican owned the Grand Hotel for 16 years before buying the castle.

He said the old structure was showing signs of wear and tear, with a “questionable roof” adding to his decision to sell.

Gorrie said the new owners had not yet received approval from the Whanganui District Council to demolish the building but he understood, if it was granted, the building would be pulled down next year.

“The deal is done now,” Gorrie said.

The Castle Eatery and Bar has moved from its Liffiton St premises and been renamed Lal Qila.

Lal Qila Cafe and Tandoor now operates at 51 Victoria Ave, where the Orange Cafe & Bistro is.

Nanak Hospitality owns both cafes. The Orange Cafe will remain and operate during the day before Lal Qila sets up in the evenings.

Nanak Hospitality director and operational manager Vik Handa said it was “emotional to say goodbye” to the former site.

“But it allowed us to create something even more beautiful through Lal Qila,” he said.

“Rather than pause, we turned the challenge into an opportunity to grow.”

Hanak Hospitality director and operational manager Vik Handa has renamed the business Lal Qila. Photo / Fin Ocheduszko Brown

Handa said the new location was thriving after opening at the start of November.

“Since day one, we’ve been house-full most nights, and being on the corner main location has brought in many walk-in customers, which has been the cherry on top,” Handa said.

“December is shaping up to be one of our busiest months yet, with countless group bookings and festive celebrations.”

Handa said the support and encouragement from loyal customers gave the business the “strength to start fresh”.

Lal Qila means The Red Fort, which is one of India’s most iconic landmarks, located in the Old Delhi area of Delhi.

“It symbolises heritage, pride and timeless beauty, and that’s exactly what inspired us - to bring a touch of royal warmth and Indian culture to Whanganui,” Handa said.

Handa hoped the new restaurant would become a place of connection and celebration.

“Our plan is to host special events, themed dinners and private functions, continuing to serve Whanganui with the same heart, warmth and hospitality that our community has always supported,” he said.

Fin Ocheduszko Brown is a multimedia journalist based in Whanganui.