The hotel was named as one of three finalists in best country hotel in Hospitality New Zealand's 2016 Awards for Excellence.
Co-owner Stacey Stevenson said when she and her partner Michael Thomas bought the business in 2007 they wanted to ''bring it to its former glory''.
''We spent a lot of time on the interior and the garden.''
The pub attracted everyone from families to farmers, shearers and contractors, she said.
''The rail trail season is also a busy time for us.
''With strict drink-driving laws, the focus now is less on alcohol and more on food and accommodation.''
The hotel was built in 1898 and the stables, which were built in 1880, have been converted into a venue.
Other Otago finalists include Queenstown's Little Blackwood, which is nominated for best bar and best new/redeveloped bar/restaurant, Wanaka's Francesca's Italian Kitchen, which is nominated for best restaurant, and Dog with Two Tails in Dunedin, which is nominated for best cafe.
In Southland, Heartland Hotel Croydon is nominated for best new/redeveloped accommodation, Radfords on the Lake in Te Anau is nominated for excellence in customer service and Emberz @ Ascot Park Hotel Invercargill is nominated for best restaurant and best new/redeveloped bar/restaurant.
The winners of the 26 categories, from 64 finalists, will be announced in Auckland on October 13.
