Kentish Hotel

The Kentish Hotel is a pub 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.

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.

With its position along a major trading route between the fledgling colonial Auckland and rich, fertile lands of the Waikato, the Kentish thrived.

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.