Liquidated Whangārei bar reopens with focus on live music, shared food

1905 owners Jess Loftus (from left), Sheridan Marris, Chloe Monk and Luke Revell are excited to open their new venue in the former Butter Factory. Photo / Denise Piper

The Whangārei venue formerly known as the Butter Factory – which was liquidated earlier this year – is reopening with new owners and a new focus.

Now known as 1905, it will reopen on Friday with performances by local musicians, then a grand opening party on Saturday with covers band 5K.

While the venue will be run by new business Hospo Collective, those behind it were familiar faces: Jess Loftus and Luke Revell, who owned the Butter Factory at different times , and former workers, sisters Sheridan Marris and Chloe Monk.

Loftus said when the Butter Factory closed in July , she realised how important the space was for Whangārei’s hospitality and music scene.