August is here, and there’s plenty happening behind the scenes and out front at Brewed As.

A favourite has made its way back onto the evening menu, our Bánh Xèo is back, while the kitchen is already busy working away on our new summer menu for later in the year.

In this month’s letter, we’re celebrating the work of a talented local artist, introducing a delicious new strawberry smoothie, and looking ahead to the return of one of our favourite events of the year. Dumplings & Dub is back for a Labour Weekend Sunday session, with Fish & Bread Sound System bringing the tunes once again.

There’s plenty more tucked in below, so have a scroll and see what we’ve been up to.

If you've enjoyed one of the gluten-free cakes or slices from The Cottage Caker over the years, you've already experienced a little of Britta Conrad's creativity. Truth be told, it's rare I walk into Brewed As without taking one home. Actually... that’s not true, it never makes it home.

What many people don't know is that Britta is also a talented harakeke artist, creating beautiful contemporary woven pieces inspired by the natural world and the tradition of raranga.

After moving to Aotearoa in 1990, Britta was drawn to the Māori art of harakeke weaving. Over the past two decades she's learned from both Māori and Pākehā weavers, including completing a year-long raranga course through NorthTec in the Hokianga. Today, her work reflects both that journey and the deep respect she has for this treasured Māori art form.

Earlier this winter, Britta's work featured in the Te Ata Hou Roopu & Friends United Matariki Exhibition at the Mangawhai Artists Gallery. We were also lucky enough to have one of her pieces (top left) hanging here at Brewed As, although it didn't stay for long before finding its forever home.

The good news? Another piece will soon be taking its place.

Supporting local artists and makers has always been part of who we are. Whether it's through the food we serve or the artwork on our walls, we love sharing the creativity that exists within our community.

If you'd like to follow Britta's work or see where she's exhibiting next, you'll find her on Instagram @harakekebasketry.

A Little About Raranga Harakeke

Raranga is the traditional Māori art of weaving using harakeke (New Zealand flax). For generations, it has been used to create everything from kete (baskets) and fishing nets to clothing, mats and ceremonial objects.

More than a practical craft, raranga carries stories, whakapapa (genealogy), and a deep connection to the whenua (land). Today, contemporary artists continue this tradition, blending traditional techniques with their own creative expression while honouring the cultural significance of the practice.

We know it’s only August, but we’ve already had a few people getting in touch about their end-of-year celebrations, so apparently it’s time to start talking Christmas!

We’re now taking bookings for Christmas functions, from smaller team get-togethers to larger work parties and group celebrations. We can cater for larger groups and work with you on food and drinks to make the occasion fit what you have in mind.

If organising the Christmas do has landed on your desk this year, it’s worth getting in touch early. The good dates tend to disappear quickly once everyone realises December isn’t actually that far away.

Drop us a line and we can chat through dates, numbers and ideas.

Dumplings & Dub Returns

If you missed it earlier this year - or you've been asking when the next one is, we've got good news.

Dumplings & Dub returns this Labour Weekend, with the incredible Fish & Bread Sound System bringing their handcrafted reggae stack back to Brewed As.

Expect dumplings, share plates, deep roots and dub selections, and an atmosphere unlike anything else in Mangawhai.

Save the date. More details coming soon.

Sunday Session 25th October

A Favourite Returns

Bánh Xèo is back on our specials menu for a limited time, and we’re pretty happy to see it return.

A crisp Vietnamese-style turmeric pancake, loaded with fresh herbs, bean sprouts and plenty of crunch. Choose it with Haku kingfish, raised just up the road in Ruakākā, or keep things super local and plant-based with Ora’s mushrooms from right here in Te Arai.

Two very different versions of the same dish, both showcasing some pretty special produce from our little corner of the country. These are gluten free and our fryers are celiac friendly.