Warrens Bakery and Cafe - 115 years in Hawkes Bay

Source: First published by Hawkes Bay Today - 150 Years as a Village 1860 to 2010 - Havelock North
(give away publichation). Article written by Robyn Malcolm - permission obtained.

In 1872 seven young boys arrived from Devonshire England with their parents John and Johannah Warren, and settled in the small village of Havelock (now known as Havelock North). The couple then had four more children, three girls then another boy.

John Warren was fully employed building roads in the new settlement. He died at Havelock North in 1897 aged 71. At his funeral service tribute was paid to John Warren's honesty, integrity, and unassuming manner. Johannah Warren died in 1906 and is buried alongside her husband in the Havelock North cemetery.

Robert Warren, the youngest of the seven boys, who was only 11 months old when he arrived in New Zealand, completed a five year journeyman's apprenticeship with a Napier baker.

In 1892 Robert married Alice Bee, daughter of George Bee senior (the builder of St Luke's Church). On his wedding day Robert purchased a section in Napier Road, Havelock (North), next to St Columba's Presbyterian Church for £65 pounds. He set up a small shop in the front room of his two storied house, and the bake-house was in the back.

The Bakery was on the site until at least the 1930’s when it was sold and re-named Warnes’ Bakery.
Robert Warren also began business in Hastings from 1898 with a large bake-house at the corner of St Aubyn Street and Karamu Road, as well as several other locations in the township where he expanded into tearooms and shops.

Catering was a significant part of Robert Warren’s business and he supplied elaborate multi-tiered wedding cakes, and catered at the local race meetings, balls, and weddings.

After his death in 1916, Alice his widow continued the business with the help of the family.

The Baking tradition continued from one generation to the next starting with Pearl Taylor the youngest child of Robert and Alice. Then Velma Brannigan, their grand-daughter, and more recently their great grand-son Malcolm and his wife Robyn.

Sadly Malcolm and Robyn, who took over the Hastings business in 1987, have put Warren’s Bakery up for sale, possibly ending an important part of Hawkes bay history.

Steve Swann is the Specialist Hospitality Business Broker that is acting for the Owner of this property. He is happy to discuss this property's details at any time, please refer to the contact details on this page.

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