When you stand facing the fine Victorian brick construction of the Empire Hotel, it's difficult to imagine Auckland when the pub was built in 1870. The Empire stood out like a monument - an architectural gem surrounded by wooden working class homes., and virtually on the waterfront.

Pubs weren't just venues to have a drink. They were meeting places where colonialists mulled over the development of Auckland, argued politics and very often, simply argued, fired up by amber liquid and home made wine. Seamen used to trudge eagerly from the foreshore, up the dirt road with money burning in their pockets and thirst burning their throats with need.

It's difficult to imagine, but the Empire was one of 91 pubs serving a population of a mere 13,000. Clearly hotel proprietors had to be showmen to attract custom, organising amongst other things, boxing matches and cock fighting and ensuring a ready supply of willing ladies.

The Empire was not however the first hotel to occupy the site. Alexander Harris, who purchased the land in 1858 was first issued with a liquor licence in 1866 for the Perth and Dundee Hotel. A two-storied timber building with a shingle roof, the reasons for it being demolished to make way for the Empire are sketchy to say the least.

In 1885 entered the first of the colourful characters to own the Empire. His name was Patrick Gleeson. An outspoken Irishman, he was by all accounts an awesome individual. He annually led the St Patrick's Day procession, resplendent in Wellington boots, grey suit, grey topper and grey beard atop his black hat. Gleeson owned the pub for just a few years after which it changed hands many times.

In the 1960's the Empire was the home of some well known criminal identities. Amongst them was a fiery individual known far and wide as Machine Gun Shaw - real name Barry John Shaw - and John Frederick Gillies and Ronald John Jorgensen, who were convicted of the famous Bassett Road murder in 1964.

In 1982 when a 25 year old, Simon Wooley, purchased a dilapidated Empire Hotel, it's colourful criminal era had passed only to be replaced by an unlikely assortment of patrons. Bars were taken over by gays, transvestites and the infamous King Cobra Gang, living it seems, in harmony.

Wooley had a dream. He wanted to refurbish the hotel to create an environment he personally would like to drink in - one where his friends could come and he could make new friends.

Without doubt, Simon Wooley saved the Empire Hotel. Simon sold the Empire in 1987 and in 1989 Bill Boyd became the sole proprietor. In 1991 Michael Ocego and Dean Lodge became the proud new proprietors of the Empire Tavern. Then in 2009, Michael and Dean decided it was time for them to move on. In December of 2009 the Empire was bought by Paul and Hilda Webber and Paddy Kelleher.

As new owners, Hilda and Paddy with their Irish experience are looking to bring back the "craic" to the Empire. The Empire today is more than just a run of the mill pub. They will organise amongst other things, big name bands and DJ's, an annual ball for customers, trips to rugby games with a grandstand for them in the Garden Bar. With Paul assisting with marketing and advertising, and liaising with the musicians and bands.

For Hilda and Paddy, operating the Empire is a labour of love. The pub has turned a full circle. Today the memories of Paddy Gleeson, of drunken seamen, whores, criminals and gang members are just that - memories. They have been replaced by today's vibrant mix of people that make up modern Auckland.