Family legacy returns to Leigh Sawmill
Established in 1996 under the arms of Grattan and Marguerite Guinness, spearheaded by chef daughter Annabelle Guinness, along with Edward, Benjamin, and Nicola Guinness, the Leigh Sawmill is known as a food destination and iconic national music venue. From humble beginnings as a roadside pop up, the Leigh Sawmill has been through many waves of success and trial, and as of December 2023 has made a strong comeback to its former status.
In 2018, Sawmill patriarch Grattan tragically drowned at Goat Island beach. Brothers and Managing Directors Ed and Ben Guinness decided to take a break from hospitality and leased the restaurant to an external operator with the hopes of new energy and high-end management. Through the trials of Covid and the weather of 2022, the Leigh Sawmill was a long way from its previous operation. In an unanticipated forfeit of the lease, the keys were handed back to the brothers in November 2023, who quickly rallied a team to open the doors again in time for the summer season.
Former key staff members returned to execute the reopening, including Susan Kaiser, Tylah Watts, and Saffron and Ella Guinness from the next generation of grandchildren. Matt Ross and Tristan Abbot of Auckland based Candela, supreme winner of the Metro Restaurant Awards 2023, designed a summer menu of light sharing style dishes alongside the favourite original Sawmill pizzas. The fresh, quality, kai moana centred menu has been celebrated once again by locals and summer beach goers. Alongside sold out gigs including Australian band Coterie and New Zealand favourites No Cigar, a slick rebrand and renovated accommodation, the Leigh Sawmill has the energy that it once had, again providing a thriving community hub as well as a prime north Auckland destination.
Preparing to buckle up for winter the Leigh Sawmill is streamlining its autumn menu and continuing to book gigs and events most weekends, with suites also available for weekend getaways. For those who have not yet returned, the Guinness family warmly welcomes you back. Open Thursday to Sunday, check online for opening hours, weekly specials and upcoming gigs or to enquire about weddings, events and corporate functions.