Gateway to the north open for business

 

Crisp and colourful, bright and breezy, the T Junction Cafe is now open for business, presenting travellers with the ideal watering hole or pit stop at the foot of the Brynderwyns heading north.

Ex-pat Brits Mel and David Jordan have been ‘Kiwi’s in waiting’ for 12 years but have a 30 year history in the hospitality industry, including running a bar in the UK to working their way around the world on Princess Line cruise ships.

“This is our first cafe,” says David, equally pleased to be able to swing the doors open to the public, and proud of their efforts in bringing the former Swinging Cow back to life.

Perched on the junction of State Highways 1 and 12 at the turnoff to Dargaville, and just five minutes north of Kaiwaka, T Junction Cafe caters for early travellers or workers being open seven days but from 6am weekdays.

Their menu includes an array of morning tea and lunch choices or even that favourite lamb shanks and summer salads for those who require more sustenance.

Out of the city David and Mel are blending in to life in this northern rural area, and while the majority of their wide range of food is prepared on site, their staff numbers several locals and their menu includes Real Town pies, a product of nearby Maungaturoto.

They are already getting to know some of the regulars and busier times as summer approaches, the clientele grows and the word spreads.

“There are still some finishing touches to be added,” says David. “These include picnic benches outside for dining in the sun, and inside, a new machine to make Italian-style drinking chocolate for that special sweet treat.”

Most drivers are happy to stop at a T Junction so why not try this one.

FIRST CAFE: Mel and David Jordan have three decades of hospitality experience.