Pioneering craft beer brand Little Creatures will open its first New Zealand brewery in February in Auckland’s Hobsonville Point. Housed in an historic seaplane hangar that overlooks the Hauraki Gulf, Little Creatures offer customers an extensive range of craft beers and three onsite dining options. The brewery will kick things off with a launch extravaganza on Waitangi Day, February 6th, with live music, and entertainment.
“Little Creatures is all about its connection with the community and we truly want this brewery to feel like a home away from home for Hobsonville Point locals and visitors alike,” said Mat Tolhurst, Lion Hospitality Director. “Embodying the quirks and eccentricities the brand is loved for, this brewery is the perfect spot to bring the family and enjoy a craft beer and meal by the water.”
Head Brewer Udo Van Deventer, will oversee brewery operations. Little Creatures favourites like Pale Ale and Pilsner will be on the menu alongside new additions to the New Zealand market, Dog Days and Rogers, as well as seasonal variations.
“We’ll have a special limited release beer for launch and then as we move into the colder months, we’ll introduce Amber Ales and beers best suited to winter,” said Van Deventer. “We’ll also be constantly talking to locals and tailoring the menu to suit what they want to drink.”
Aside from the brewery bar snacks, two additional dining options are located inside the brewery – Salty’s, serving up premium seafood dishes including a variety of fish and chips and seafood delights, and Kittyhawk, a café bistro, which will offer an all-day dining menu, coffee and extensive range of fine wine and cocktails in an intimate environment.
Ignite Architects spearheaded the design of the warm and welcoming brewery, which is filled with nostalgic design elements that nod to the history of the Sunderland Hangar. Built to house TEAL’s giant Seaplanes in 1939, the hangar’s original 9m tall doors are now located behind the main bar. KittyHawk gives the vibe of an officers’ mess, while Salty’s bar is made from the hangar’s original timber purlins. The hangar’s concrete floor has been retained, showing off its cracks, imperfections and heritage.
