HINTON HOTEL - Hinton

The Hinton Hotel property was advertised for sale in February 1842 in four separate lots. The first lot -  the Hotel, had 136 feet water frontage at the junction point of the Hunter and Paterson Rivers and was situated between the high road to Abbotsford, Paterson and Clarence town on the south side and the new intended punt road on the north. There were three bed rooms, one large sitting room and three small sitting rooms on the ground floor with a verandah in front. The Upper Floor had four bed rooms and a capacious passage. There was a verandah at the back of the hotel to add to the coolness of the premises. Attached to the hotel were the Tap and Stores and a detached kitchen of good dimensions and convenience. The Back yard was fenced. The property was let to a tenant at 3 or 4 years at £200 per annum. There were also stables, coach house and granary and a detached cottage and smithy. Extensive gardens were on the banks of the river with the boat wharf and fish pond. The Paling fence was high - 7 feet - and close and made the whole property whether separately or together, as compact and complete as possible. (8)

In March 1842 the Hunter River Gazette noted that a blacksmith's forge had been established at Mr. Levien's Hotel (the Hinton Hotel) for the benefit of the settlers on the Hunter and Paterson Rivers (21)

In 1842 Jane and (Captain) John James were innkeepers. In November 1844 Mrs. James was advertising for a cook and waiter to be employed at the Hotel (9)

To the inhabitants of the Hunter River district the Hinton Hotel was  known as a first rate business premises; the elite of the Hunter, William and Paterson river districts for years past had induced a 'thoroughly respectable connection and contributed to the lucrative and successful business (12)

Former butcher, Charles Bryant of Hinton took over the Hinton Hotel 'lately occupied by Mrs. James' on 1st July 1848  (13)

In February 1849 Robert Canvin who had been proprietor of the Hinton Punt between 1845 and 1848, announced he was also taking over the Hinton Hotel (lately occupied by Mr. Charles Bryant), and 'most respectfully requested a continuance of those favours conferred on his predecessor', pledging himself that his guests would be supplied with the best of Wines and Spirits, excellent ale, good bedding and first rate accommodation combined with attention and civility. (14)