It may be more than 110 years old, but The Criterion Hotel in Weston has a new lease of life.

If you have ever enjoyed the ambiance and food at the Fire Station Hotel at Wallsend, you can now expect the same experience at The Criterion, as Kerrie and John Campbell are now publicans of both. 

The Criterion’s Hylton Botha said the Campbells took ownership of the Fire Station Hotel five years ago.

“Back then the hotel was cooking 500 meals a week.

“Today we are cooking up a storm with over 1500 meals a week,” he said.

Mr Botha said taking over The Criterion appealed because it is “a great hotel with great local support.

“We see it as bridge between Cessnock and Kurri.”

One of the main improvements you will see is the commitment to getting the little things right.

“Happy to say this is always one of our key focus in our hotels.

“We are a pub with a focus on service and food,” he said.

“Our people, quality, value, and five-star service are at levels you would not expect in a pub.”

Mr Botha said The Criterion now offers something for everyone, from a great food menu seven days a week and our $10 Tradie lunch menu.

The Tradie Lunch menu includes pork snags, chicken schnitty, beer-battered fish, schnitty burger, rump steak and salt ‘n pepper squid, all served with chips.

It is available Monday to Friday.

The new bistro menu will tempt the fussiest of eaters.

You can start with a selection of breads – garlic, chilli or herb, all with cheese – and you can choose to add bacon.

From there your starters include a choice of chicken wings with chilli romesco and garlic aioli, loaded fries, salt and pepper squid, or garlic prawn twisters.

The wide selection of mines include traditional, hearty options such as rissoles, lambs fry, lamb cutlets or a mixed grill, or lighter options include salmon fillets, whiting fillets. And of course there is the ever popular chicken shnitzel.

Enjoy a caesar or thai beef salad on the side.

And you know it will all be mouth-watering because it is the same chef as the Fire Station Hotel.

Mr Botha also said there will be “a shake up to the weekend entertainment, from DJs to bands.”

Every Saturday night there will be live music with bands including Ash Mountain, Oversteer, The Twangers, The V Dubs, Hard Drive, Steel City, Dos Eager, Revampt, Viagro and The Tantrums. A DJ will play from 9pm every Friday night and there is a Pool Comp every Thursday night.

“We have big plans to make the hotel a great night venue for everyone to enjoy,” he said.

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