The former Lighthouse Gallery in Gore Street, Bluff is rebranding and reopening with the big launch due to coincide with the Arts Murihiku Southland Arts Trail event over the weekend of 1st and 2nd of November.

The café and the attached art gallery will be part of the trail and with the business rebranded as the Artfull Coffee Shop will be open from 10am to 4pm over the weekend.

Sue Lattimore runs the café which offers a mouthwatering array of cabinet food with delights such as sausage rolls, potato top mini pies, cheese rolls plus good coffee. There are other beverages too including tea, Benger Juices and water.

The beauty of the café is not only the range of food offerings but also in atmosphere and ambience.

There is a separate room available for meetings and club gatherings etc. so with a coffee and some tasty treats you can meet and gather to discuss your business or share your hobbies.

In the attached gallery there is also plenty of seating in a rustic area surrounding by plenty of thought- provoking art.

 The Lighthouse Cafe. Photo: Supplied

For summer a cosy, sheltered, outdoor area is being developed.

The gallery itself is attached to the café and it is full of a myriad of art. The gallery is run by Greg Stapleton and entry is free. Artists are welcome to exhibit their work in the gallery and offer it for sale as well.

A walk through reveals the talent, currently, dominated by but not limited to, Bluff artists. “Artists from everywhere are welcome,” says Sue and Greg.

While wandering through the gallery there is an area where you can paint or draw your own masterpiece. Available for all it is particularly ideal for kids while the adults enjoy a browse and coffee.

Adults are however welcome to create their own art as well.

Art adorns almost every wall although Stapleton is quick to point out one area just waiting for more exhibits. Art is sold on behalf by the gallery and the prices range quite considerably with something affordable for everyone’s budget.

The café and gallery are the perfect Bluff attraction for wet weather visits’ to the port town too. Enjoy a coffee in the rustic area while the kids create their work – perfect for a blustery, wet day activity.

 Gallery at Lighthouse Bluff. Photo: Supplied

Sue and Greg say they have had inquiries about holding yoga classes and art classes and nothing is off the table at present.

The café and gallery will be open at 30 Gore Street in Bluff from 10am to 4pm over the weekend of 1st and 2nd of November and is well worth a visit.

Going forward hours will be flexible. Keep an eye on the artfullcoffeeshopbluff facebook page where they will promote their hours as they develop the business.

Meanwhile the duo say they look forward to welcoming people to come and relax in a pretty special space.