History
Built in 1851 by Edward Constable who emigrated from Maidstone, Kent in England. Constable then went on to apply to the Colonial Secretary for a Publican's Special Licence and Licence No.47 was granted on January 10th 1853. Travellers began referring to the establishment as "a fine house, two storeys high with stable and cultivations, cattle and two small craft lying in the port". The Constables made the attractions of their Hotel well known by advertising on the front page of the "New Zealander"
That same licence still stands today and we are proud to be able to say we have the "longest continuous liquor licence" in New Zealand.
Edward Constable built the hotel as a 'home away from home' accross the road from the thirving port of Waiuku. In 1851 this port was on the main trade route south and was one of the buiest inland ports of the time. Passengers and their goods would travel by ship from Onehunga to Waiuku, disembark and continue South overland to the banks of the Waikato River. From here they would travel by barge as far South as Taupo.
Throughout its long history the Kentish has been at the heart of Waiuku life since it was built, surviving tense times during the land wars of the Waikato and has hosted such dignitaries as the Maori King Te Whero Whero, Sir George Gray, Richard Seddon, Sir Joseph Ward and William Massey. Sir John and Lady Makgill stayed while they were waiting construction of their new home. Prime Minister John Key has also visited New Zealand's longest running hotel and enjoyed a quiet beer.
It almost came to an end in 1926 when fire destroyed a block of wooden buildings opposite the hotel. As the wind fanned the flames a host of volunteers poured water and hung wet sheets over the facade. The volunteers and their families that helped on the fateful night are still praised for their actions, for without their courage spirit The Kentish Hotel could have been lost.
With the popularity of rail and the opening of the Great South Road, Waiuku and The Kentish Hotel has evolved in a quiet community supporting the local farming district and the Glenbrook Steel Mill. Nowadays for locals the Kentish continues to ooze history and charm, and visitors are captivated by the experience.
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