Former pub set for revamp

A former Hunter Valley pub which has been closed for about two decades is set for a facelift with a new liquor license being sought.

The former Exchange Hotel at Maitland closed in the early 1990s and has since been used for other business ventures, including as an antique shop.

An application is currently before the Liquor Gaming and Racing Authority for a new liquor license for the High Street venue.

To be called the Pour House the pub would have a capacity of 80 people, with its latest closing time being midnight.

Applicant Troy Taylor says the venue will have a focus on locally crafted beer.

"It's definitely not abut coming in here and having two dozen beers and rolling out the door," he said.

"A lot of these beers will be beers with flavour.

"It's more about coming in here and enjoying a quiet couple of beers or even some great wine."

Applicant Craig Melville says internally the building is getting a major update.

"What we're trying to do is bring some more business and bring some people, or provide something in this area that people can come and stay and maybe assist the other businesses in the area as well not just ourselves obviously," he said.

The pub building is partly owned by former One Nation leader Pauline Hanson.

Source: ABC News, 12 August 2013