Abandoned Brewery

Rising from the ashes of—literally—an abandoned brewery in Lower Hutt, Abandoned Brewery is doing its part to put Porirua on the map as a top beer lover’s destination.

A micro-brewery with a “never-say-die attitude,” it does things its own way, its unabashed outlook evident in every inch of the space. Recycled materials make up many of the fixtures throughout the space, from the bar top to the lights and the (bike frame) fence outside. Menus and signage are fashioned from cardboard packaging, and scrawled on with marker. Perhaps most impressive of all is the wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling graffiti and a living mural—children are invited to add their contribution to the walls of the hallway and bathrooms, resulting in happy chaos.

It all lends the space a relaxed and unpretentious feel. It’s the kind of place where the kids and dogs are as welcome as their parents, where you can kick back with a drink without having to be a craft beer nerd.

And there are plenty of brews to kick back with here, for beer nerds and non-nerds alike. From the old-school favourites to the fresh new names, from local picks to those from further afield, there truly is something for everyone. And thanks to neighbours The Karaage Kid, you can enjoy some wicked Japanese-style fried chicken on the side. 

Porirua has long cried out for a bold, ambitious brewery to offer something special to the area while being an inclusive space for the whole family and beyond. Abandoned Brewery fits the bill, ensuring no one is left behind.