The former Empire Hotel houses a Cobb & Co restaurant, Cobb Bar and lounge, Coach Bar and public bar. The hotel was re-designed and redecorated in 1981 to come in line with other Cobb & Co developments around New Zealand. The first Empire Hotel was built on the site in 1890. After burning down in 1895, it was replaced the same year. From 1990-1996 the owners of the building extensively renovated the hotel back to its original style. It still operates today as an hotel.