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Inspiring Spaces: Hansen's Cafe & Store

12/6/2017

What a wonderful find it was coming across this delightful cafe.

On a recent road trip to the Manawatu region of New Zealand, I was most pleased to discover this outstanding cafe. With delicious homemade food, coffee that is definitely up there with the best, and a decor that is right up my alley, Hansen's Cafe & Store was one of the highlights of our trip.

Owned and operated by five families who moved North from Nelson two years ago, the store offers an array of handmade soaps, children’s clothing, wood crafted pieces and sewn homewares.

Housed in an early 1900s building which was totally renovated when the new owners took over, the decor consists of beautiful repurposed timbers from the property. From its rustic chalkboard signage to the solid wood tables and enormous fire surround, the well thought out layout and furnishings are just lovely. A mixture of small and large tables and chairs, couch and comfy chair areas and bar stool benches, there’s a space for everyone.

Stopping for afternoon tea, the rhubarb crumble took my eye, and Craig had the ginger crunch slice; both were baked to perfection. The coffee couldn’t be faulted either.

Of course the decor was the thing that attracted me when I saw the images on Google. The rustic finishes, repurposed wood, painted furniture and upcycled products were inspiring for sure.

For me, one of the highlights was the staff. All members of the families that own the business, they were exceptionally engaged. Of the three staff I spoke with, each had a story, and each was genuinely interested in me and my story - where I’d come from, and where I was travelling to and from.

Take a look for yourself at the decor and food.