Abandoned Taproom Petone is the Petone outpost of Abandoned Brewery, a microbrewery that makes its beer in an old factory in Epuni, Lower Hutt, and also runs a taproom in Porirua. It opened in February 2024 in a stark white building marked with a large red A, on the corner of Fitzherbert and Jackson Streets. The site was long the home of On Trays, the specialty grocer whose own deli, Scheckter’s, was known for its sandwiches, and the brewery chose to honour that history rather than erase it. The result is a relaxed community hub for Petone, with a sunny outdoor spot, a welcome for dogs and children, and no expectation that anyone arrives knowing their hops.
Inside, the look is gleefully rough around the edges. Walls and even the ceiling are covered in graffiti by a Wellington street artist, the furniture is upcycled, a fence is built from old bike frames, and the bathroom walls are left blank so visitors can add artwork of their own. An old fridge wears the brewery’s name in spray paint, and the DJ turntables sit beneath what looks like a control panel salvaged from a nuclear power station. That grungy, homely atmosphere suits a busy programme of live bands, weekend DJ sets, comedy, quiz nights and community fundraisers, which has made the taproom one of the Hutt Valley’s leading live entertainment venues.
The taps pour the brewery’s own beer, rotating between dependable favourites and newer releases. The range runs from an easy Petone Draught, a crisp lager and a German style pilsner through hazy pale ales, an American pale ale and several IPAs to darker brews such as a Japanese black lager made with rice and an oatmeal stout dry hopped with Amarillo. Seasonal beers come and go, and a refreshing Berliner Weisse can be livened up at the bar with a dash of flavoured syrup, the way it is served in a Munich beer garden. Wine, cocktails and alcohol free choices cover everyone else in the group.
Food centres on big, messy sandwiches, a nod to the deli that came before. The Reuben was recreated with the blessing of the former deli’s owner, using the same recipe and suppliers, and layers pastrami, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and piccalilli on toasted rye with a kosher pickle. Other sandwiches have included a kimchi Reuben, the halloumi Layla, a vegan mushroom and spinach sandwich on focaccia, and a brisket melt with beef jus for dipping, alongside a beef burger stacked with slow cooked brisket and a Nashville fried chicken burger with Creole spiced fries. Sides such as frickles, loaded fries and mozzarella sticks with hot honey are made for sharing, and a short children’s menu keeps younger visitors happy.
Address: 38 Fitzherbert Street (corner of Jackson Street), Petone, Lower Hutt 5012
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