There is little sign one of Oamaru's best-known restaurants
will be reopening to the public on a regular basis. The Loan
and Merc Tavern and Eating House was due to reopen after a
winter break in August, but was still closed this week.
Restaurant owner Fleur Sullivan said the premises had been
opened on Waitangi Day ''to support the town'' during the
Scott 100 commemorations, but although she hoped to keep the
bar open, the a-la-carte restaurant would not reopen until it
was possible to get ''the right staff in the right places''.
However, both the building and catering would be available
for weddings and private functions, Ms Sullivan said. The
building is owned by the Oamaru Whitestone Civic Trust.
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