In 1843, Armidale saw the opening of the Travelers Rest on Faulkner Street, north of the river. This proved to be the first 'pub' for Armidale, though it is not a pub as we see it today.

In the 1840's and 50's, Armidale saw the establishment of a more permanent town with three flour mills, stores and workshops. Wool had begun to be exported to England, and gold had just been found in the nearby settlement of Rocky River (1852), and so Armidale saw a dramatic influx of people coming with prospecting ideas of the future. These people needed accommodation, food, stables for their horses and buggies and entertainment, until they settled to a place of their own or left for another town. So the hotel industry in Armidale begun largely as accommodation for the traveler and prospector.

With the growth of Armidale, the number of hotels and inns increased to, and thus their uses changed. They were meeting places for sports organizations, charity events and even town meetings. The loneliness of the bush required entertainment for the outside squatters and townsfolk alike, particularly in a town such as Armidale. Pubs provided a place to play cards, darts, billiards, or just relax with some ale. In the past, the hotel or 'pub' was often central to the towns' entertainment and social interaction.

New England Hotel circa 1860

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