Time please; historic pub up for sale

Marlborough’s history is up for sale as a case of perfect timing sees both the building and lease go on the market.

The Cork & Keg in Renwick has been owned by Larry and Wanda Smith for 10 years.

Looking to enjoy a quieter life, the pair have decided to sell the English-style pub which marks 30 years since it was built in 2025.

And with current leaseholder Clayton (Jack) McIntyre also selling, it’s a rare chance for someone to snap up either, or even both.

The pub comes with some unique regional history - roof beams recovered from the former Hawkesbury bridge which was destroyed by flood waters in 1982 and a table etched with the names of generations of Marlburians.

The front part of the building was the original part of Renwick Brewery. There is just something special about the place, Wanda says.

It was the building’s quintessential Englishness which first attracted the couple to buy, she explains.

But as fledgling business owners, it was a scary start, she remembers.

“…we didn’t get our first customer until 5pm. I gave him a big hug and I don’t think he came back,” Wanda laughs.

The pub, complete with two-bedroomed accommodation upstairs soon went from strength to strength. The three motel units built in 2016 continue to thrive.

There was nothing else quite like it, she says.

“My favourite time has to be winter, when the open fire is burning and people come in and sit around and get cosy. It has a special atmosphere.”

Adorned with brass plates and quirky figurines, the pub even boasts an older-style red pillar box outside.

Jack, who’s had the lease since 2019, says the history of the place draws people in.

“There’s a table that came from RNZAF mess hall and it’s covered in people’s names. A guy came in one day and asked where it was.

“He was able to find his grandfather’s name on it.”

The bar and some of the seating areas are constructed from timber reclaimed from Rapaura School.

For Larry though. it’s a more recent memory that stands out.

“It was the 2015 World Rugby Cup. We put on breakfast at 4am and had 78 people in. The atmosphere was great.”

While the pub has seen some great times, Wanda and Larry are hoping to enjoy some down time.

“When it’s time to move on, it’s time to move on,” Wanda says.

Jack says it was always his plan to do five years and then move on.

“It’s time for someone else to step in.”

The Cork and Keg is being sold by Mike Ryan at Bayleys