Classic West Coast Pub
Great food, affordable accommodation, and wonderful atmosphere.Learn more about The Blackball Inn & 08' Cafe's staff.
Pat Kennedy and Jane Wells - Founders
Pat and Jane have been together 41 years. Jane bought the Blackball shop from Pat in 1982 - and didn’t read the fine print. He came with it just a few months later! Pat’s a real Coaster, arriving in this world in Greymouth in 1944. He worked as a butcher at his father’s shop in town and later reinvented himself as one of the original Blackball Salami men. Jane, a teacher by trade, owned Formerly The Blackball Hilton from 1994 until August 2008. Then they both sold up and moved to Motueka and latterly to the Moutere Valley. But late 2018 they returned and in March 2019 they bought the Club Hotel, renamed it The Blackball Inn and got stuck in yet again, relishing their new roles in Blackball life. As their nephew Samuel said, 'It’s better than sitting around waiting to die". Jane and Pat’s combined ages = 156! In February 2021 they left the day to day management of the business to their grandson, Nick. But now Nick's embarkd upon a teaching career so they're back!
Nick Secker - Managing Director
Nick is a local lad who went to Blackball School, then Nelson College, and graduated from Otago with a science degree. Since then he’s had careers all over the place in conservation, dairy, and hospitality with a stint of his OE in SW England working at the Ralegh’s Cross Inn. More recently his full time occupation was as Reefton Distilling Co’s Head Distiller. Now a Blackball homeowner, NIck is still involved peripherally.
Kahya Pounceby
Kahya, born in Christchurch, moved with her family to Blackball after the Christchurch earthquakes. Wile still at high school she worked part time at the Inn but for the past two years she has been almost full time. During that time she has studied and recently gained her Level 4 qualification in Hospitality specialising in Food and Beverage. She is most personable and versatile. She is equally at home behind the bar or in the kitchen.
Hillaire Clements
Joela Hagenaar
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