Chef Neil Brazier prefers the title ‘foodologist’. His quirky outlook is reflected in a very inventive but approachable menu and belies the level of training and experience he has attained.

Neil has travelled extensively throughout the UK, America and Asia working in various Michelin Star rated restaurants and elite country house hotels before returning to New Zealand as an Executive Chef for some of New Zealand’s finest eateries. Neil draws inspiration from the various cultures he has experienced and combines them to create food that is as unique as it is elegant.

Internationally experienced Restaurant Manager Mike Nunn started his hospitality career in the kitchen. After moving to front of house, he worked his way up to the position of Manager and went on to run several pubs and eateries in one of England’s largest chain of pubs. Mike won a number of prestigious awards such as ‘Beautiful Beer Gold Award’ and ‘Perfect Kitchen’, scoring 100% on three separate occasions when the venue was mystery shopped, before becoming a trouble shooter within the company. Mike emigrated to NZ and these days enjoys a more hands on role, working closely with his team of bar and wait staff.

Functions Manager Monica Heid is equally well travelled. A trained Barista, Monica worked in a number of bars and restaurants in Germany before moving to the Bay of Islands. Having worked at some of the North’s finest venues, including Kauri Cliffs, Monica remains passionate about giving excellent service. She has a very creative flair and enjoys the finer details and finishing touches that make a function truly memorable.

Also at your service is PT the cat, (short for Pear Tree). PT has been in hospitality all his life and arrived here soon after we opened. As a kitten he had aspirations to be in the kitchen but when his application failed to meet Food Handling Regulations we employed him to manage Security. He now spends his days patrolling the car park and on occasion also doubles as a children’s entertainer.