The Butter Factory - Whangarei

On the attractively named Butter Factory Lane, a new pub has populated the old factory, and it is doing well.
To their credit, the Butter Factory are serving craft beer, interacting with the community, and hosting live music. A warm and welcoming hotspot in the centre of a town with so much potential.

The business is in the ground floor of a four storey fusion of volcanic basalt and bright red brick, now over 100 years old and worthy of a spot on the heritage list. Described as neoclassical and baroque, the old factory might not quite fit those terms in a European setting, but regardless, it is decidedly special

When it was built in 1905, butter making used to take place on the ground floor, while the upper floors were a furniture factory. The three storey addition was the large and popular town tearooms from 1936, so the hospitality heritage is strong.

Image Credit: Alanah Stigsdottir