Old Hog makes way for a new House

KATRINA BIELESKI/Waikato Times

OPEN HOUSE: Nathan Sweetman, co-owner of Hamilton's latest bar House, enjoys one of the many craft beers available on tap ahead of tonight's opening.

Relevant offers

Hamilton's old Loaded Hog has undergone a complete facelift, relaunching as House.

House, the newest addition to the Phoenix Group of bars opens tonight, offering a range of craft beers on tap and a little bit extra.

Jason Macklow, Matt Palmer, Darrel Hadley and Nathan Sweetman have refurbished the old Loaded Hog to create a bar which resembles a home, Mr Hadley said.

The bar area was set up like a kitchen, while another was designed to be like a library. The real point of difference however was a second bar, opening soon, down the alleyway beside House.

Mr Hadley said the bar, called Discovery, was based on high-end Melbourne establishments and had a capacity of 40 people.

It had its own entrance and was an entirely separate entity.

"It's a little bit more upmarket. It's something that you have to know is there to get to."

He said Discovery would not be accessible through House.

"We saw a lot of similar things in Melbourne, little bars down alleyways."

Mr Hadley said there were many kiwiana influences throughout House and they had used recycled materials, including the old carpet from Waikato Hospice.

A full restaurant menu is available but House also had tapas and shared platters which fitted well with the craft beer they were selling.

The deck had been revamped with an area for casual drinks and another with a dining atmosphere which they hoped would attract the weekend brunch crowd.

On the web: houseonhood.co.nz

- © Fairfax NZ News