Winton's historic BNZ building will soon be serving coffee rather than cash when it officially reopens as Blatch Bros Eatery & Store tomorrow (10 Jan).

The BNZ trading bank closed its Winton branch in June 2021, as part of a nationwide scaling back of its physical banks in favour of electronic and online services.

While the closure could have seen the building simply left as yet another unoccupied heritage precinct premises, Aparima dairy farmers Scott and Andrea Wills saw the opportunity to repurpose the grand old 1930s building as a cafe.

Blatch Eatery and Store. Photo: Facebook

"We just thought Winton needed this, said Andrea.

"When our kids were little, I was always sitting [in the car] at sports things [or] ballet, when I could have been sitting in a nice cafe."

The couple bought the building two years ago, before commencing the long process of gaining the necessary consents and carrying out renovations.

While the former bank had already been earthquake strengthened by the previous owner, it still offered up some hidden surprises.

"We found a couple of old cheques... and an old [lemonade] drink bottle that one of the builders must have left," Scott said.

"But we haven't found any gold," he joked.

Both are now delighted with the final result and said they couldn't have done it without the help and passion of their Wanaka Interior designer Anna Begg.

And in an acknowledgement to the building's original builders, the Blatch Brothers, the new business now incorporates their name.

Being new to hospitality - Scott had never drunk a cup of coffee until he was 30 and met Andrea - the pair admit there has been a lot to learn.

A new outdoor area for dining has been created. Photo: Facebook

However they are both passionate about good food and good service.

 "We're in the making people happy business, and it just so happens we sell food," Scott said.

Andrea, who is also a nutritional biochemist, said they would be offering good healthy and wholesome food options for everyone including kids.

Everything will be made from scratch, with most of the ingredients locally based, she said.

Diners will also be able to buy dried flowers, thanks to Andrea's mum, as well as a variety of health products including natural essential oils for perfumes and difusers.

The couple admit they have a lot of ideas in the pipeline, once the cafe is up and running to capacity.

"I want to turn [upstairs] into a health centre and have an osteopath, nutritionist and counsellor," Andrea said.

Devonshire tea every second week could also be on the cards.

"I want this to be a place for the community," she said.

Winton Business Association president Daphne Fairbairn said the new cafe was "really really exciting" and Winton was pleased it was happening.

"We are all looking forward to it being in operation.," she said.

Blatch Bros Eatery & Store is located at 230 Great North Road, Winton, and will officially open on Wednesday (10 January). Hours are 7am - 4pm, Tuesday to Saturday.