Cafe at old Te Mata cheese factory

The building which formerly housed Te Mata Cheese in Havelock North will be given a new lease on life as an upmarket cafe, set to open later this month.

Owners Andy and Emma Glover have chosen to stick with clean lines and modern feel for their new cafe, called Te Mata Kitchen.

"It will be high end, with good quality food, table service and menus but we want it to have a relaxed atmosphere," Mrs Glover said. "We have got the existing building and the existing furniture, so we are going with that slightly contemporary look."

It is hoped Te Mata Kitchen will fill a gap in the market between a cafe selling only counter food and a pricey restaurant meal.

"Really we are looking for a middle ground, we will have lunchy, brunchy stuff, blackboard specials, menu food and there will be a counter with sweet treats," chef and co-owner Mr Glover said.

On the menu will be a range of delicious options for lunch and dinner, including home-made pizza from their on-site pizza oven.

An opening date of January 25 has been set for Te Mata Kitchen, which will open from 8am to 4pm daily, with late nights until 10pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. "The idea is that people will come for coffee and maybe lunch, then after 5pm people might like to come for a drink and platters." Mrs Glover said. "We want to get some of that evening market too."

The couple have wanted to start their own business for a long time and they decided to take the plunge when the Te Mata Cheese building came up for sale.

"I have got a completely foodie background and Andy has been head chef at the Mission for three years," Mrs Glover said.

Mr Glover finished his job at the Mission on New Year's Eve and was looking forward to being his own boss.