Chris Ormond brewer and co-owner of Giant Brewing Co in its new premises on Treachers Lane, Havelock North. Photo / Warren Buckland
Chris Ormond brewer and co-owner of Giant Brewing Co in its new premises on Treachers Lane, Havelock North. Photo / Warren Buckland
A local brewery has achieved its Christmas goal of opening a modern version of a pub where people can sit, eat and drink the local produce.
Giant Brewing Co opened a new brewery space in what used to be Subway on Treachers Lane in Havelock North.
Brewery owner and operatorChris Ormond said it opened its doors quietly the week before Christmas and has already had an influx of customers.
"We're the only brew pub in town. I think certain groups of people choose certain bars to suit them and hopefully we can attract the full cross-section," he said.
The business has been wholesaling beer since 2015 and for the past three years has also been filling flagons part-time out of its Donnelly Street premises.
During the year, original owners Chris Ormond, Tom Ormond and George Mackenzie were joined by another local couple, Inga Wallace and Hugo Fitzsimmons.
They bought into Giant Brewing with the idea of creating a brewery space where people can drink and eat on site.
Giant Brewing's new open plan bar on Treachers Lane, Havelock North. Photo / Supplied
Ormond said when the lease became available for the building the owner, Village Property Group, was willing to do a ground-up renovation "enabling us to create a pub with a brewery in it".
"Their team and ours have worked for months together to get it to the point where we were able to open to the public a week out from Christmas."
The result is a new take on a traditional pub, full of locally built leaners and tables and an open plan bar area. Down the back of the building is the original 500-litre brewery and small bottling area.
Good Company Catering is running the kitchen on a sub-lease basis for those feeling peckish.
The kitchen has been busy flinging burgers, noodles and salad bowls so far and will be developing a suitable menu for the new year.
Ormond said due to the shift brewing was halted for a while, meaning Giant Brewing beer will be in short supply during summer. However, the beer lovers won't be left empty-handed.
"We have an ever-rotating list of guest beers from independent breweries around the country, ensuring there will be something for everyone on our 12 taps," he said.
Ormond added the bar will also be stocked with a range of local wines and a handful of spirits and cocktails.
