After a long nine months, The Sawmill Brewery, a favourite of locals and visitors alike, has finally reopened.

The Sawmill Brewery and Smoko Room on Leigh Road closed down last October, due to a raging fire that required came within minutes of completely destroying the building and took nine fire trucks full of firefighters to get under control.

The Smoko Room opened midday on Friday, July 31, and will be open from 12.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday before opening seven days a week in summer.

The local Matakana community rallied to support the Sawmill Brewery team, as did other businesses in the brewing industry, allowing the Sawmill to brew on their premises. Since the fire, Sawmill has brewed at 13 other breweries in New Zealand. 

Tom aka Matakana Oysters buying the first beer.

Opening day caused a lot of buzz amongst the community, who had been patiently waiting for their favourite watering hole to reopen its doors. The occasion was celebrated with live music and all of the Sawmill’s best brews.

The comfortable, homey feel of the Smoko Room has remained intact through it all, so if you are craving a beer or delicious meal be sure to head to the Sawmill Brewery.