Brewery and bistro concept to take local hospitality to new level

JULIA WADE

25 April, 2022

Local lager lovers will be happy to learn a plan for a new beer spot is brewing in the area, aiming to offer punters a taste of world-class ales and spirits while watching the sun slip along the Mangawhai coastline.

Construction is soon to begin on Pacific Coast Beverages, a startup microbrewery and distillery, as well as a courtyard bistro which will be completed in 2023. Located along Mangawhai’s coastline, it is ‘a magic spot’ developer and director of local company Pacific Coast Surveys, Adam Booth, says.

“Craft beer has surged internationally as drinkers hunger for more authentic, local and fresh produce,” he says. “The parcel of land has a free-draining sandy sub-soil and harvests plenty of sun with a north-west facing aspect, making it perfect for our vines, as well as hosting epic dusk dining experiences.”

Brewing expert and beer judge, Sam Williamson, who has 20 years’ experience working in various New Zealand breweries and will be heading Pacific brewery operations, says in the last year he has seen a huge revolution in brewing knowledge, technology and ‘the evolution of beer styles’.

“Brewers are now challenging their own preconceptions on the correct way to brew, and making hugely accessible styles with techniques that bat against tradition. I have intertwined my experience, theory and research to develop some tasty, contemporary recipes,” he says. “Our purpose-built brewery is currently sailing from the manufacturer and when the bistro is open, visitors will be able to watch their favourite ale being crafted from the top of their pint.”

Planted in 2021, the vineyard is still early in its development stage with the first wine expected to be ready in 2024, and Pacific Coast’s packaged beer and spirits will launch late 2022, Booth says.

“We aim to produce exquisite international styles pushed to the next level with modern techniques, traditional drinks with a burst of vitality, taking the passion and experimentation of brewing and use it to spice up the generally traditional spirits market,” he says. “There is a real buzz of excitement around Mangawhai township at the prospect of this hedonistic oasis of beer and revelry.”

A welcoming scene of visitors settling in for a locally brewed pint with a coastline vista; an artist’s view of the Pacific Coast Beverages bistro under construction and due to open in 2023. IMAGE/SUPPLIED

“We aim to produce exquisite international styles pushed to the next level with modern techniques…”

- Adam Booth