Following its closure two years ago, the Lord Anson Hotel in Orange has received a renovation and has now reopened the doors thanks to new owners Ray Kharel and Kiran Pandey.
A handsome, historic two-storey hotel, it sits proudly on an 811sqm site in the heart of Orange, at the entry to the Orange City Centre shopping centre.
The Lord comprises public bar, pool room, lounge or library seating, and at the rear a large entertainment area and bistro seating with stage. On the upper level there is a function room with veranda seating, six pub-style accommodation rooms and a manager’s residence.
It was offered up to market late 2024 at the same time as the Orange Hotel, in a campaign by Manenti Quinlan.
Kharel, who had moved to the area after the pub’s closure, was intrigued by the building and after a meeting with the owner he knew this was where he would begin a new chapter as a publican.
Ready to take the risk, Kharel’s first step was to engage with the locals, recognising their connection to the venue and their understanding of what would work and what wouldn’t.
“We really fell in love when we found this place and we want to make it alive,” Kharel told the Blayney Chronicle.
The pair’s goal was to ensure great all-round hospitality, offering good food, service, community events and entertainment while keeping the country pub atmosphere it was known for.
Soft launching on 28 May, the owners and staff are finding their feet ahead of the 10 July grand opening, with shorter opening hours until the big day.
Following the reopening, the hotel will bring back staples such as Tuesday trivia nights.
Orange is found approximately 250 kilometres west of Sydney. It counts population of over 43k residents, with a median age of 37 years, and robust economy based around healthcare, education, and mining, underpinned by a strong focus on agriculture.
Flanked by the landmark Mount Canobolas, an extinct volcano rising to 1,395 metres and granting commanding views of the district, Orange is increasingly a hub for tourism, holding rich cultural heritage and historical sites, scenic parks and gardens, and a plethora of activities – most prominently its renowned food and wine scene.
“To make it work is a community effort,” Kharel said to the Blayney Chronicle.
“I think we can make it happen.”
