Bridge House Lodge
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About Bridgehouse Lodge

Since 1854, the iconic Bridgehouse has served the local community for generations. From its humble beginnings as a timber mill, the Bridgehouse now offers its patrons high quality food and drink on a relaxing riverside setting, but also boasts comfortable and affordable accommodation.

HISTORY

The Bridgehouse Lodge is a piece of Warkworth history. No one seems to know exactly when the Bridgehouse was constructed but there is little doubt that it was the first building in Warkworth.

The founder of Warkworth, John Anderson Brown was a builder and an entrepreneur. He was attracted to the Mahurangi area by the abundance of Kauri trees. He set up a timber mill in the 1850's on a site just below the bridge on the left bank of the river. He had already bought 153 acres in 1853 for a little over 68 pounds, and sections were sold at auction in 1854. The quarter acre lots sold for 6 pounds apiece.

Anderson Brown lived at the Bridgehouse with his house keeper, Mrs. Chandler. In 1859 a postal service was started, with Bridgehouse as the post office. The mail went over land and sea to Orewa then on foot by the mail man to the North Shore. There was also a flour mill built opposite the timber. The original Bridge House is in the top right. A bone mill made fertilizer further upstream at the next falls. (Walk on the path upstream from Bridgehouse and you will come to its location). Hence came Warkworth's early nick name "Brown's Mill".

John Anderson Brown only lived fourteen more years after the first land was sold in Warkworth – he died in 1867 and was buried on Church Hill, overlooking the town he had founded.

Bridgehouse has been altered and modified considerably over the years. The original building that John Anderson Brown built was replaced by a larger one sometime around 1900.

A number of businesses came and went from this building. For many years the Lennin family ran a bakery at the back of the Bridgehouse and sold their bread from the little shop out the front. The Lennins also ran Bridgehouse – with the best fresh bread and baking for their guests. Some people will also remember a fishing shop, a Mexican takeaways and an ice cream parlour on this site.

The terrace which now sits on this site is a great spot to soak up Warkworth's riverside ambiance while enjoying great food and a few drinks.

In the 1930's, major alterations were made to Bridgehouse. The original structure was retained but substantially added to. A large new wing was added to the west which contained eight more rooms. The frontage of the original building was also extended and Tudor style detailing was added.

The exterior of the Bridgehouse has remained largely unchanged up to the present day – minus the Tudor panelling.

In the early 1980's another addition was made to Bridgehouse. Six more rooms were added on the second story in a new south wing. At the same time a conference and function room was added at the rear of the existing building.

We hope you enjoy the character and ambiance that have become part of the Bridgehouse Lodge over the past one hundred and fifty years.

EVENTS & CONFERENCES

Function Room / Bar for Hire
The Jungle Bar backs onto our large garden bar area. We cater for all types of functions, 21sts, small weddings, conferences or just a great party.

Seated weddings for up to 80 guests
Cocktail functions for up to 150 guests
Pool tournaments, theme parties, no party too big or small.

Conference Facilities
The Jungle Bar leads out onto our garden area overlooking the river. It's a great relaxed area for small conferences, product launches or an awesome party venue.

With on site accommodation for 14 in single rooms or 30 in twin share, or for larger groups there is additional accommodation just across the road which we can organise.

With seating for up to 80 guests, a large projection screen and additional whiteboards, let us help you organise your conference to make it a positive experience.

We are 10 minutes away from vineyards, 2 great golf courses, Sandspit Wharf for charter fishing, Matakana Markets and stunning beaches. Or just relax by the Mahurangi River.

WEDDINGS

Set next to the picturesque Mahurangi River our Jungle Bar and outdoor garden provide a fantastic backdrop for your special day. We provide a professional but relaxed atmosphere in surroundings where you can really let your hair down.

With seating for up to 80 guests we have had a number of fantastic weddings in the last couple of years, even an awesome Civil Union. The room can be themed and decorated to your tastes.

Ian and Ramona have been organising Weddings for over 15 years and will give you an honest appraisal of what it will cost you – no hidden surprises. We specialise in open buffets with spit roasted meats, local seafoods and fresh salads. Entertainment can also be provided by local bands, DJ's, solo artists or your own music through our entertainment system.

RESTAURANT & BAR

Overlooking the Mahurangi River, with 2 large open fires, deck and beautiful garden bar area, we cater for a wide variety of diners throughout the Hotel.

There are three large screen televisions for the sports enthusiast, gaming room, pool tables in the Jungle Bar and 14 rooms available if you are having too good a time to leave.

Food is available from 11am till close seven days a week. We are happy to cater for larger groups with our a-la-carte menu or set menus can be arranged.