Information on Royal Oak Hotel

The Royal Oak Hotel, once a prominent establishment in Wellington, New Zealand, has a significant history intertwined with the local LGBTI community. This historical narrative spans from the mid-1800s, when the hotel first gained popularity as a drinking house, to its later years in the 20th century as a key space for the LGBTI community.

Initially, the Royal Oak Hotel emerged as a popular spot in the mid-1800s. However, tragedy struck in 1898 when the original building was destroyed by a fire, resulting in two fatalities. Despite this setback, the hotel managed to make a notable comeback, although it eventually concluded its journey as an "insalubrious establishment". Today, the site of the former Royal Oak Hotel is occupied by the Oaks Complex, located at the corner of Cuba and Dixon Street.

The hotel's significance in the LGBTI history of Wellington is particularly noteworthy in the post-World War II era. During this period, up until the early 1980s when the hotel was demolished, the tavern bar of the Royal Oak Hotel served as a key "gay" bar in Wellington. This role highlights the hotel's importance as a social hub and safe space for the LGBTI community during a time when such spaces were scarce and vital for community building and support.

Further adding to the rich tapestry of the Royal Oak Hotel's history are the personal narratives of individuals who were part of its story. For instance, John Jakeman, in a PrideNZ podcast, shared his experiences of growing up in Wellington in the 1950s and working at the Royal Oak tavern in the 1970s. His story intertwines with broader societal themes, such as police persecution, homosexual law reform, and marriage, reflecting the complex and often challenging environment faced by the LGBTI community during this period.

Another perspective is offered by Malcolm Vaughan. In another PrideNZ podcast, Vaughan discussed his extensive experience in the Wellington bar and hospitality scene over four decades, including involvement with establishments like the Royal Oak Hotel. His insights provide a valuable window into the evolution of the city's hospitality industry and its intersections with the LGBTI community, painting a picture of a dynamic and evolving social landscape in Wellington.