Andrew Carnegie, the debonair gentleman whose portrait sits behind the bar of new Onehunga gastro pub The Good Home, deserves to take pride of place in this beautifully renovated historic building — after all, he was responsible for its first life as the Carnegie Free Library in 1912.
Andrew was a Scottish/American philanthropist who, after making his fortune in the steel business, funded 18 libraries throughout New Zealand and more than 2500 worldwide.
The Onehunga building sat empty for nearly 20 years before being restored in the 80s, and has since housed a community centre and several restaurants and cafes.
New owner Tony Woodcock has retained character features of the category-one heritage-listed building, including pressed tin ceilings and cornices, and has added a big modern wooden pavilion extension off to the side to provide al fresco dining. There's also a play area for children.
As well as usual pub food suspects such as steaks, burgers and pizzas, the menu features some more unusual options, including a Whangaripo blue cheese salad with sweet salted walnuts, miso-glazed hapuku with an edamame salsa and avocado puree, and, on the weekend brunch menu, black rice porridge. There are 13 premium and craft beers on tap and guests will find a mix of seating areas.
“It’s such an iconic old building and an Onehunga landmark," Tony says. "We've tried to honour the heritage of the building as much as possible. It's been a labour of love, with the whole process taking about 18 months, so hopefully the locals approve.” We're sure they will.
• The Good Home is at 55 Princes St, Onehunga. Open seven days for lunch and dinner, and brunch on the weekends.
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