The cafe, which is located near Wellington Airport, said in a post on social media it wasn’t the way they hoped their chapter would end.
Photo: Samuel Rillstone/RNZ
Wellington café Spruce Goose is closing its doors after 12 years and a new hospitality venue will be opening in its place next month.
The café, which is located near and owned by Wellington Airport, said in a post on social media it wasn’t the way they hoped their chapter would end.
“Unfortunately, we weren’t able to secure a new lease, which means it’s the end of the road for us in this space.”
Cafe Spruce Goose near Wellington Airport.
Photo: Samuel Rillstone/RNZ
Richard Dalby, Wellington Airport’s Commercial General Manager said Wellington Airport was planning a major redevelopment of the Lyall Bay waterfront precinct from the Leonie Gill pathway to the airport.
“This will include a surfers hub, play areas, viewing platforms, new plantings and improved accessibility,” he said.
Dalby said as part of this an “exciting new hospitality venue” would be opening in the current Spruce Goose location in February.
“We want to salute the Spruce Goose team for 12 great years and wish them all the best.”
Most people visiting Spruce Goose today that RNZ spoke to were disappointed to hear the cafe was closing.
Hana and Gloria were surprised by the news.
“I grew up in Lyall Bay, Kilbirnie, and I used to come here a lot,” Hana said. “It’s quite sad to know that it’s closing.”
Wellington locals Gloria (left) and Hana (right).
Photo: Krystal Gibbens/RNZ
Abbas owns the BFT gym nearby. He said it was sad news.
“This was our local,” he said. “Every Sunday after our Hyrox Sunday sessions, half my members come here for a coffee and post-workout treat.
“Hopefully they’ll move somewhere else. It’s a good bunch of people,” he said.
Yvonne, who was heading to the cafe for lunch said the cafe was a good spot for plane spotters and it was a shame it was closing.
“It’s a place that you can bring people to that’s a wee bit different.”
Berry and Kelly said although the cafe would be missed, it wouldn’t affect them much as there were other places they could go.
Berry said if the landlord needed the premises back, “it was a valid call.”
Across the road is also a popular surf spot, and surfer Alan confirmed the cafe was popular with the surfers too.
“It’s a shame to hear about this place closing down because it’s a favourite weekend after surf.”
Wellington surfer Alan, said the cafe was popular with the surfers.
Photo: Krystal Gibbens/RNZ
The café said it was “endlessly grateful” for the love support and loyalty its customers had shown them over the years.
“If Spruce Goose has ever been part of your life – your wardrobe, your memories, your go-to stop, we’d love for you to come in over the next two weeks and say goodbye in person,” the post said.
“Thank you for 12 unforgettable years.”
The café’s last day of trading will be 8 February.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
