While passing through Whangarei on our way to an overnight investigation location, we arranged to stop in at the wonderful Dickens Inn, a unique restaurant with a few stories to tell.
The Dickens Inn business opened in 1995, named after the owners’ family lineage. The Cundy family tree has branches leading right back to Charles Dickens himself.
The great writer was also known for his love of drinking and eating houses, having often written about them in his works – making Dickens Inn an apt moniker in more ways than one.
The original hotel building built back in 1891, played host to a range of characters, from ladies of ill repute to gum diggers. Stage coaches also stopped there, and the establishment was popular with travellers and those passing through.
In the early 1900’s, the hotel was destroyed by fire and was later replaced by the well-frequented Whangarei Hotel.
The staff have a few spooky tales to tell. Odd activity at the Inn is pretty much a common occurrence. Well, until recently, anyway.
When we arrived they were in the process of saging the building. According to staff, there was a bit of a downturn in business and things got a bit desperate. However, while they’ve been doing their daily saging routine, things are picking up. Business is good, they say the Inn has a better atmosphere overall and the negative elements appear to have gone.
The ghostly resident is friendly and keeps a watchful eye over the place.
The porter at the old Whangarei hotel used to talk of seeing a ghost, and over the years, staff and patrons alike have reported experiencing a presence they couldn’t quite explain. The Hotel also has an interesting clock up on the wall.
We are told that the antique timepiece which when removed for servicing works perfectly, but upon replacement in Dickens Inn, will stop at the exact same time and refuse to budge. intriguing. Methinks we’ll have to return and try a few things!
The food is fantastic, the staff are wonderful and welcoming and the stories….oh the stories. We’ll be featuring the Dickens Inn in our next book.
If you’re in the area, pop in for a drink and a meal. Tell them we sent ya!
