page_title: The Kentish Hotel
section_title: Challenges and triumph
hierarchical_section_title: The Kentish Hotel / Challenges and triumph
caption_attribution_description: English: Kentish Hotel in Waiuku New Zealand
context_page_description: The Kentish Hotel is a tavern in Waiuku, New Zealand that lays claim to the longest continuous liquor licence in the country. The Kentish Hotel has stood the test of time as being one of the most famous established watering holes in the Franklin area since it was first granted its licence to sell liquor in 1853.
context_section_description: The Constables established the Hotel as an icon in early Auckland by advertising on the front page of the New Zealander, the most popular newspaper of the period.  Travellers began recommending the establishment and it grew to be immensely popular, even hosting such dignitaries as the Māori King Te Whero Whero, Sir George Grey, Richard Seddon, Sir Joseph Ward and William Massey.
  With its position along a major trading route between the fledgling colonial Auckland and rich, fertile lands of the Waikato, the Kentish thrived.  Through the tense times during the land wars of the Waikato beginning 1862-1863, the Kentish managed to survive.
  In 1926, the hotel nearly burned down when a fire destroyed a block of wooden buildings opposite. As the wind fanned the flames a host of volunteers poured water and hung wet sheets over the facade saving most of the building from significant damage.
  Recently the Kentish has expanded adding a popular outdoors area overlooking the harbor and Tamakae Reserve.
  The Kentish went into receivership on 14 August 2012, and with it the longest held liquor licence in New Zealand.
caption: The Kentish Hotel as it appears today.
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