Bars and restaurants gearing up for massive Lions influx

If you're keen to permanently remember the 2017 Lions tour - why not get yourself a tattoo on the night the Maori All Blacks take on the visitors in Rotorua?

Owner-operator Kris Beehre of Eat Streat's Ambrosia Restaurant and Bar said as part of the Alternative Cricket Commentary (ACC) Champagne Rugby Tour, a professional tattoo artist would be on site from 6pm to 9pm next Saturday.

"A real fan can immortalise themselves. We're expecting tons of people to come along [during the tour] ... we want to be the next big thing to the real game."

The ACC, led by media personality Jeremy Wells, is known for its witty and sometimes un-PC commentary. Mr Beehre was looking forward to hosting the commentary team.

"They're pretty awesome and hard case. It will be a ticketed event from 5pm to 7pm and open to the public from 7pm."

Mr Beehre said his bar would be open for the entire Lions tour till 3am, and would be setting up four big screens in the front beside the drinks caravan.

Jonathan Maguire, duty manager at Brew Bar, said Eat Streat was prepared for the "massive party".

"We're going to have live music from Friday to Sunday, there's bunting up to give a community feel."

At Terrace Kitchen executive chef Timo Dicker expected it would be "full-on" from Wednesday onwards.

"We really hope to see people here, having a good time. We have a tavern licence, we are open from 7.30am but serving alcohol from 8am."

With several British staff on board, Mr Dicker said they had put their heads together to come up with "a few Lions supporter-friendly dishes" including a smokey barbecue out the front of Terrace Kitchen which would be serving bacon butties and chicken masala curry.

Hennessy's Irish Bar owner Reg Hennessy was expecting "mind-boggling" numbers, but was concerned if Rotorua was ready to handle the number of expected visitors.

"In terms of toilets, meals, cash flow from ATMs, is the town ready?"

Mr Hennessy expected his pub to be a hub for Lions fans.

"We want to make visitors feel welcome, there will be live music including an Irish band. In 2005 we put on the biggest party Rotorua has ever seen and this year we hope to emulate it."

In the Haupapa St carpark behind Hennessy's a marque will be set up, with four screens, and Mr Hennessy said he was turning the function room into a "Lion's den".

All venues the Rotorua Daily Post talked to said they were bringing on extra staff and security to ensure visitors and locals had a safe and happy experience of Rotorua.

A Rotorua Lakes Council spokesperson said it expected most of the visitors following the tour to start to arrive in Rotorua from Wednesday.

The council had been working with local businesses, accommodation providers and contractors to make sure the city was prepared for the influx.

"The morning after the game will be a great time for locals and visitors to be in the city.

"The council is hosting the Big Brekkie which will feature 17 food truck vendors at the Village Green offering a varied menu with something for everyone to enjoy, and the covered communal dining area will provide a comfortable space."

To find out more about what is happening around town next week visit www.rotoruanz.com/dhlnzlionstour2017.