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Noey Houghton
When Noey Houghton took over the Pioneer Bar, under the Nautilus, last month, he discovered that he is the fifth generation of his family to have owned a business in Orewa.
Noey’s family have lived in Orewa since World War I and his great great grandparents, Alice and Edward Eaves, were the third owners of Orewa House, which at that time was a traditional boarding and holiday establishment. His great grandparents, Lily and Noe Meldrum, also ran a traditional boarding house; located on Puriri Avenue.
His historical ties with the area are particularly appropriate given Pioneer Bar’s theme – black and white photos supplied by the Silverdale & Districts Historical Society take pride of place on the walls.
Noey has even extended the theme to the restrooms, where wallpaper with old time images create a quirky ambience.
Refurbishment of the bar is almost complete and includes new graphics along with red light shades, planters and upholstery to warm and brighten the interior.
The wood and mirrors gleam, showing that a significant amount of elbow grease has been applied.
The menu has been completely overhauled under the experienced eye of chef Nicholas Kean and the bar is open for lunch and dinner every day.
Noey describes the menu as “reasonably priced, but flash pub grub” with everything from pub-style tapas like ribs, pan-fried prawns and crispy yellow curry chicken to vegetarian options and traditional hearty pub mains.
A range of international beers are on tap, and the Monteiths, Erdinger and Tiger beers are also hugely popular.
Noey says that the Pioneer Bar is one of the first to have the Swedish Rekorderlig brand of cider on tap, with cider’s popularity showing no sign of waning.
Noey has worked in hospitality on and off since his teens, including working and managing bars, cafes, and liquor stores in Auckland, Orewa, Wellington and Dunedin. However, this is the first business that he has owned.
Becoming the publican of his own establishment is something that has got Noey smiling. He is completely at home standing behind the bar chatting with customers, and says making sure everyone is well catered for comes naturally after years in customer service.
“The bar has a lovely crowd of regulars, and they are enjoying the changes I’m making,” Noey says.
Noey will have a grand opening of the bar on April 10, once all the refurbishing is complete and all regulars and new customers are welcome.
