Kitchener’s Khartoum Hotel will celebrate 100 years of continuous trade with three days of festivities over the Easter long weekend.
The feat represents a significant milestone for the venue and the local community, who still utilises it as a true “public house” to meet with family and friends.
To mark the historic occasion, events delving into the tavern’s past as well as entertainment – featuring MatC, Whiskey Fyre, The Avenue and Abermain’s Mackenzie Lee – are planned from Friday 3 April to Sunday 5 April.
Several family-friendly activities will add to the atmosphere at the Cessnock Street site, too.
Cessnock City Council’s local studies librarian Kimberly O’Sullivan is also hosting Khartoum Hotel: A History Chat at the premises from 1pm to 3pm on Saturday 4 April.
The session will take a closer look at the Heritage-Listed pub, which first opened its doors on 1 April 1926.
It’s remained in operation ever since.
Ms O’Sullivan will highlight lesser-known stories linked to the hotel and the people who passed through its doors over the decades.
“In researching the Khartoum Hotel, we uncovered tales that rarely make it into history books,” she said.
“From colourful characters and SP bookies to moments of tragedy and humour, the hotel’s saga reflects the life of the community that grew up around it.”
The 100th anniversary will also be marked by a broader program of celebrations throughout the year.
It comes as the building retains several original features, offering a glimpse into its early operations.
An underground keg storage room is still in use, with kegs traditionally rolled down a timber chute into the cellar and cool room, a practice that dates back to the hotel’s early days.
The pub’s narrative is closely tied to the development of Kitchener itself, which grew as a service and accommodation centre for miners working at the nearby Aberdare Central Colliery, located across the road.
Over time, both the pub and the town have developed a strong identity shaped by the coal industry and the community it supported.
The upcoming history chat will provide an opportunity for locals and visitors to learn more about that shared history and the role Khartoum Hotel has played in it.
The event is free to attend and bookings are not required.
TAKING THE STAGE
- Friday 3 April: 6.30pm – MatC
- Saturday 4 April: 4pm – Whiskey Fyre
- Saturday 4 April: 7.30pm – The Avenue
- Sunday 5 April: 4pm – Mackenzie Lee
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- Plans revealed for Wickham’s Union Street renewal
- Green light for new helipad at $835m John Hunter Hospital expansion
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