The Works Restaurant & Bar

The iconic Works building on the Inner Harbour is the last remaining building of the original Kaiti Freezing Works on the Gisborne Esplanade
This historic building has been earthquake strengthened, upgraded and restored preserving it’s original features thereby retaining the much admired building for future generations.
The entire ground floor has been extensively refurbished creating The Works Café, Restaurant and Bar with quality furnishings to complement the era of the building.
The large brick building will be an integral part of the Inner Harbour development and beautification for the citizens of Gisborne, the East Coast and visitors to enjoy.
Owners, Maria Destounis Wimmers and Roland Wimmers have relocated from Wellington. Both are clothing designers and Maria also has extensive experience in hospitality management. The interior design and furnishings is their own concept, including the upgrade of the veranda, gardens and outside dining areas.
The local people are very passionate about the Works building and many had relatives who worked at the freezing works during the time it was operational. Accordingly, much history will be preserved by sourcing information and photographs as a mark of respect for the many former workers of the Gisborne Freezing Works as well as the local people of Gisborne.
The Works Café, Restaurant and Bar is open 7 days per week from 9.00 AM for coffee and café snacks, then from 11.00 AM Brunch is available featuring a selection of breakfast and lunch dishes until 2.30 PM followed by Dinner from 6.00 PM. On Saturday and Sunday the Breakfast menu will be available from 9.00 AM. The ambiance created indoors, outdoors in the sun or under the vines provides a relaxing environment for all to enjoy.
As well, we have created a safe and comfortable lounge Bar with seating available to enjoy some quiet drinks after dinner or some delicious snacks from the Bar menu to complement our selection of New Zealand and imported wines and beers as well as cocktails after work.
In house chefs with extensive experience, creating New Zealand inspired cuisine, using locally sourced quality produce and daily fish catch produce a dining experience for all in the iconic Works building on the inner harbour in Gisborne, the first city in the world to see the sun
A full Bar facility is available in the cellar of The Works situated at the rear of the dining room. Mac’s beer and cider selection is on tap and local and regional New Zealand fine wines as well as a selection of low alcohol, low carb and non alcohol beverages feature on our menu.
The Works is an ideal venue for indoor and outdoor functions and we will be delighted to discuss all your requirements.