The Beer Engine

Tītahi Bay is a thriving, buzzing corner of Porirua, thanks in part to The Beer Engine for helping to power it forward.

The nifty little bar is one of a number of businesses to have made its home on the old Tītahi Bay mall site (now a lively social hub). It brings plenty of character, too, with the eye-catching turquoise shopfront an indicator of what’s within. The fit out is “loosely steampunk”—steel pipes snake their way around the walls and ceilings, while arrays of gauges and spherical light bulbs add to the fun industrial feel.

If you’re wondering why it feels so welcoming, it could be because a real sense of community and local spirit is imbued in the smallest details: the tables and bar, for instance, are recycled floor timber from Kenepuru Hospital down the road. Much of the other furnishings are made from upcycled products, giving the place a neat, unpretentious feel. 

The Beer Engine prides itself on mostly serving locally made goods. In addition to top beers from some of the best breweries around Aotearoa, here you’ll find outstanding wines from smaller producers along with locally crafted spirits from Wellington through to Kapiti. It’s a great place to grab a bite, too. The menu is compact but offers tempting food to go with your drink, whether it’s a classic hotdog or a hearty curry and roti. 

With a beautiful beach right on its doorstep, The Beer Engine is a fantastic spot to stop by, refresh, and recharge. Bring the dog, your kids, your mates—everyone’s invited.