Your Friendly Local Cafe and Restaurant in Hanmer Springs
Situated in the heart of Hanmer Springs, Canterbury, The Powerhouse Cafe's historic building makes for a distinctive dining experience. We offer a variety of food including vegan, vegetarian, dairy free and gluten free options.
The Powerhouse Cafe's History
The Powerhouse Cafe wasn't a likely building for a restaurant and cafe. It emerged from an historic building that once helped to deliver electricity to supply a local hospital.
The Building
In 1926 the Powerhouse building was built to house a small hydro electric generator, which was driven by water from the nearby Rogerson river. This water was transported via wooden staved penstocks along what is now Jacks Pass Road. The electricity which was generated then went on to supply the existing Queen Mary Hospital as well as a few street lights. At some stage this DC plant was augmented by a a diesel generator, and by 1934, the main electricity lines then connected Hanmer Springs up with the rest of the grid via Waipara.
The Cafe
At various times the building has been used as a vegetable shop and as a storage facility. The modern décor has tried to honour the industrial nature of this building's history. It was first turned into a café around 2005 and has become iconic in Hanmer for its great coffee, baking and breakfasts.
In 1926 the Powerhouse building was built to house a small hydro electric generator, which was driven by water from the nearby Rogerson river. This water was transported via wooden staved penstocks along what is now Jacks Pass Road. The electricity which was generated then went on to supply the existing Queen Mary Hospital as well as a few street lights. At some stage this DC plant was augmented by a a diesel generator, and by 1934, the main electricity lines then connected Hanmer Springs up with the rest of the grid via Waipara.
The Cafe
At various times the building has been used as a vegetable shop and as a storage facility. The modern décor has tried to honour the industrial nature of this building's history. It was first turned into a café around 2005 and has become iconic in Hanmer for its great coffee, baking and breakfasts.