The closing of the Sawmill’s doors earlier this month signaled the abrupt end of years of mismanagement at the hands of Auckland businessman Craig Anderson. He operated the facility during a tumultuous period, particularly post Covid when the Café’s quality and reputation suffered. The Guinness family own the property and are now in full control of operations. The Sawmill will reopen on December 28th. They are determined to honor their late patriarch Grattan Guinness’ memory by returning the renowned music venue to its former glory, announced his granddaughter Ella Guinness when we met on site.

The Sawmill was Ella’s playground, her little hand and foot forever cast in the beer garden’s concrete steps. Her enthusiasm is infectious and I can’t help but wonder if the life size chess set is coming back too (pretty please). “Right now the place just needs some love, it doesn’t need change, it’s famous for what it’s always been.” Agreed. Grattan and his family put the Sawmill on the map decades ago by keeping it simple. The combination of great food, local brews, chilled vibes and edgy gigs appealed to locals and visitors alike. Eventually bands from all over the world graced its stage. Local legends like Fat Freddy’s Drop and Tiki Taane cut their teeth here.

“We’re holding onto our roots. It’s very important (to my family). We’re all together on this.” The place was buzzing with energy, laptops open, tables stacked up, construction projects all go. Ella tells me I must meet her Uncle Ed (Grattan’s son), who’s beavering away somewhere by the accommodation wing which is also getting a makeover. A quick poke into a cavernous shed full of flotsam and jetsam, but no Uncle Ed. So we wander back to the beer garden to check out a newly built deck.

Ella beams saying “This is dad’s project (Ben Guinness), he’s so creative. He just wants to do it all and has the vision.” Ben’s deck will house a pizza oven serving up pies the Sawmill became celebrated for, like the Ella Hart (my tour guide’s namesake as well as a delicious local favourite). It’s an impressive addition that will brilliantly connect the restaurant and music hall to the outdoor spaces. More by-gone treasures like ‘Leigh’s Got Talent’ (my neighbour and I are currently working on a harmonica medley), bingo and half price pizza night are also in the cards. “These are the events that brings the community together, it’s what the Sawmill has always done.” says Ella, and may it long continue.

A new website is in the works (the Leigh Rag Facebook page will also provide updates on Sawmill events). New opening hours begin Dec 28th from noon to late, Thursday to Sunday.

Mark your calendars for upcoming gigs:

Connected NYE Party – Drum & Bass | doors open 8PM

Summer Thieves – 4th Jan (ticket details soon)

Coterie – 11th Jan (tickets available on www.ticketmaster.co.nz)

No Cigar – 13th Jan (check the band’s website)

Written by Lee Parker. Reposted with permission from Leigh Rag.