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 43 years now. Jane bought the Blackball General Store from Pat in 1982, and didn't read the fine print. He came with it six months later! Pat's a Coaster and worked in his dad's butchers shop, eventually reinventing himself as one the Blackball Salami Brothers. Jane, a teacher by trade, owned Formerly the Blackball Hilton for 14 years until 2008 when she and Pat sold up and moved up Nelson way. They came back late 2018 and purchased the Club Hotel renaming 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." In February 2021 they left the day to day management to their grandson, Nick. But then Nick embarked on a teaching career so the pub went on the market until former employee, Caroline , asked if she could lease it. So she did for eight months, but now Jane and Pat are back. Again! So this time it's on the market for a definite sale this time!
Nick Secker - Managing Director
Nick is a local lad who went to Blackball School, then to Nelson College , and graduated from Otago with a science degree. He's had careers all over the place from conservation, in the dairy industry ( in the lab), hospitality and teaching. He's still involved peripherally.
Hillaire Clements - Bar manager
Hills has worked in hospitality for over 20 years and she's been with us here for the last five. She loves people and has a real knack of making people feel welcome., She's widely read and knowledgable and can converse on most subjects. She's a Coaster born and bred.
Jess Bell-Howard - Generalist (Cook, cleaner, bar maid)
Originally from the other island Jess lived here , there and everywhere as her dad was a shepherd. Together with her partner , Simon. they live on an Atarau farm where Simon is employed. They have two dogs - Jack and Fenton, and two cats ( Surf and Saffy) For 10 years she worked at "Fruitful Woodville and around farms. She is a popular team member with a cheerful disposition and a ready smile.
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