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- By Taylor Budge, Franklin Junior Journalist
Pukekohe is about to have its first rooftop bar as part of a major upgrade to the Fire Station Eatery and Bar on Edinburgh Street.
More than 100 years old and considered a historic place, the building was home to the Pukekohe Fire Station, 1930–1980. More recently, the building has functioned as a bar and restaurant, firstly as the Fireman’s Arms and then as Ed Street.
The restaurant has recently gone through a change of ownership and re-branded to become the Fire Station Eatery and Bar, with a new menu, refurbishment and new staff.
General manager, Kate Hogan says she loves the old fire station building and is proud to future-proof this part of Pukekohe’s heritage.
“We really wanted to go back to what the building originally was, a fire station,” Hogan told the Times.
“This building is a landmark recognised by the Historic Places Trust. Anything we do, we consider if we are adding to the character of the building, if we are doing it justice and breathing new life into it,” she says.
“We love the symmetry of the building, original windows, beautiful, warm brickwork. Buildings like this should be celebrated.”
Hogan’s family settled in Pukekohe in 1853, purchasing the building from Auckland Council in 1997.
“We love the old lady (the building), which we saved from potential destruction,” Hogan says. “We’re determined to do her proud and deliver an exceptional dining experience [with] great food, ambiance, service and value, a place for celebrations.”
The restaurant has become popular with a much bigger focus on dining since its rebrand.
“We love hearing the positive feedback from the community. We are locals ourselves, so we care about getting it right and adding to the local dining scene.”
Hogan confirmed plans for a rooftop bar to extend out from the upstairs restaurant.
“We are talking an elevated view and cosy fireplace vibes,” she says. The upgrades are expected to be finished within the next six months.
