They immediately fell in love with the gallery and its bushland setting but could see the venture was in dire need of a café. Initially, the idea was just the idle thought of two young German tourists but it didn’t take them long to start talking business.
As they toured the country, Uwe and Julia couldn’t stop thinking about the Northland paradise they had discovered and, unlike most holidaymakers, they were not content to let the café dream escape them.
Before departing New Zealand six months later they had sat down with Peter and come up with a sound business plan. They then took a quick look at Australia, returned to New Zealand to finalise the café project then flew home to Frankfurt, Germany to farewell family.
“From the first, Peter was enthusiastic about our idea. He then went ahead and built the café on the understanding we would come back and run it,” Julia says. “A year after we first saw the property we were back and in the business.”
Once here this enterprising couple wasted no time creating a foodies’ haven, their menu combining the best of their homeland and the best of their new home. Locals and travellers were soon talking about Julia’s luscious cakes, German-style seafood chowder and moreish café meals such as chicken barbecue stack with caramelised barbecue relish, bacon, tomato and lettuce piled onto German wholemeal bread.
That was five years ago and the couple have never looked back. They bought a home just a stone’s throw from the café and continue to be creative hospitality operators.
“In winter we open Thursday to Sunday during the daytime for morning and afternoon tea as well as lunch,” Julie says. “But from Labour weekend and through the summer we open seven days and remain open in the early evening so holiday makers can enjoy dinner here too. We are fully licensed, cater for functions and group dinner bookings and also enjoy a reputation for great coffee!”
What’s more Uwe and Julia couldn’t have a more beautiful setting for their eatery. Inside, the café reflects the Balinese ambience of the whole Gallery and Café property, exuding a sense of peace and calm. There is also a glorious covered deck, accessed from both the café and the gallery where diners often feel they are sitting on the edge of a lost land.
Positioned high above native bush valleys with views that stretch all the way to the ocean, this magical spot basks in the setting sun and is perfect place for refreshments (and photo opportunities) at any time of the day.
And if the couple had any thoughts of returning to Germany they have long dispensed with them. “Our son was born here and we really have the most idyllic lifestyle,” Julie says. “We love working with food, we love the north so we are here to stay for a few years yet.”
