Mangawhai Tavern  market a new experience

 

Having successfully run the former Harvest Blue Cafe and Restaurant, Mike Hynes and Vanessa Willems now run their own business. Vintage Market Deli is about scrumptious food well prepared and presented online and at a number of markets around the North, most recently at last weekend’s BOI Festival.

They have been a part of the recent growth of Mangawhai and deduced that visitors and new residents have come to Mangawhai because it’s ‘different’ and have worked closely with Mangawhai Tavern management to set up an artisans market on the tavern grounds.

They saw the opportunity and threw the idea out there, courtesy of social media, with the result being 60 stallholders clustered around the historic Mangawhai Tavern site. A marquee will house 15 sites with another 45 outside.

“We listed the products we believed were suited to the market situation but stressed quality was essential to set and maintain a standard,” says Mike. “The response was astounding.” 

They even have a waiting list. 

“Some vendors from farther afield who can only attend, say, once or twice a month will allow those on the waiting list to take their place and so bring some variety to the line-up.”

Day one will be Saturday of Labour Weekend and the markets will run from 8am to 12.30pm with face painting for the kids and live music, but that’s just the start. 

“We have an amazing line-up of fabulous vendors,” chimes in Vanessa. “There are some incredibly creative people out there keen to show their carvings and woodwork, toys, jewellery, so many wonderful and healthy foods, spelt breads, finger foods, hair care and cosmetics, clothing, micro greens and vegetables, and even pet supplies.”

This seems like a great place to start that Christmas shopping or enhance your home decor in an ideal leisure outing and meeting place away from the traffic and long weekend hubbub.

Those with a discerning palate may appreciate the delicious treats available at a market with a difference. Talk to the artisans who make the food, carve the necklaces, glue the toys and bake the delicacies, great coffe, and of course late in the morning the Tavern will be open for business as usual.

 Follow Mangawhai Tavern Market on Facebook or just be there. Mangawhai Tavern, 8am – 12.30pm Saturday October 20.