In 1906 a half-acre block of Samuel Bealey’s land was purchased as 263 Bealey Avenue. The 1950’s saw the site transformed into a hotel known as the Gainsborough Private Hotel. It was seen as one of Christchurch’s premier establishments of the era. The Gainsborough’s name altered slightly throughout the years but even into the 1970’s, the Gainsborough was synonymous with five-staar fine dining in Christchurch.
In the 1990’s an Australian company purchased the building that had been operating as the Gainsborough Travel Motel and Hotel and trademarked the name ‘Outlaws’. The Outlaws restaurant catered to families, groups and vast amounts of backpackers that stayed in the accommodation onsite, Pacific Park Hotel, run by the Scenic Circle Group.
263 Bealey Avenue was purchased in 2004. These days, our Restaurant and Bar are known as ‘The Bealey’ and the site in which it sits, along with our accommodation offerings, is known as the ‘Bealey Quarter.’
While the name on the sign has changed our hallmark of warm southern hospitality hasn’t wavered.
The February Earthquake of 2011 had disastrous consequences for the accommodation block at the rear of the section, however, the bar and restaurant were left in better shape.
Today, the accommodation has been rebuilt, with The Lodge being one of the biggest lodge accommodation sites in the South Island.
As for us, we are The Bealey. A local hangout for lovers of good food, good beer, and good yarns. We want to celebrate the spirit of Samuel Bealey and bring his love of the great city of Christchurch, and all it has to offer, to your experience with us.
Whether it’s your first visit or your one hundredth, our house is your house, and we are very pleased to have you here.
