Brewport Ponsonby is a new microbrewery and beer garden in the heart of Ponsonby at LOT3.
We spoke to the owners, Greg and Kim, about how Brewport came about.2020 was a very interesting year for a lot of people and businesses; what made you both decide to open a brewery in the middle of a pandemic?
Kim: (Laughs) A very interesting year indeed! Well towards the beginning of last year, it became obvious that I was going to be made redundant from Air New Zealand. I was a long haul flight attendant for 17 years, but still quite junior, so I began thinking about other businesses that I could try. I was bouncing ideas around with a friend of ours, Andy, who I had made friends with on my flights, and he suggested taking Greg along to brew at one of the big breweries after lock down.
Greg: I’ve always loved home brewing and the thought of going to a large brewery to help brew was really exciting, so I went along and that was it really. I was hooked!
Kim: I went to pick Greg up after the brew was finished and as soon as I walked in I just loved the vibe! Everyone was chilling, laughing and talking; Greg had a huge smile on his face, and I thought - This is it!
What are some of the biggest challenges you face?
Greg: Well apart from the obvious; I mean we are still in very uncertain times, and the hospitality industry certainly has its challenges even at the best of times, but we knew that going in, and we’re up for it!
Kim: I think one of the biggest challenges for us has been getting new people into Brewport. We are quite hidden down alleyways; it’s not always easy for people to find us.
Greg: We’re a hidden gem!
Kim: Yes! Come and find us!
And what would you say makes you stand out from the rest?
Greg: Well the fact that we are the only microbrewery in Ponsonby means we can offer freshly brewed craft beer, straight from the tank; you can’t get any fresher than that!
Kim: I would have to say the customer service. All our staff aim to give our guests a great experience. Greg or I are on site most of the time and we genuinely want our guests to feel welcomed, and comfortable. This is a place where they can relax and hang out, and we really enjoy getting to know them.
And you have now opened up a café!
Kim: Yes! Well we thought since we have a great space, we might as well utilise it during the day as well, so we have coffee, cabinet food, and a salad bar and hot soups available from Monday to Friday.
BREWPORT, LOT 3, 130 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 0606, www.brewport.co.nz or www.brewport.cafe
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