Cove Cafe comes alive

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English-born Lloyd Rooney had run pubs and restaurants in the UK, including an establishment owned by Tamsin Olivier, daughter of the late, great Sir Lawrence Olivier.

Fast forward to New Zealand where, for the past eight years, Lloyd now owns and runs an 1100 ha coastal sheep and beef property south west of Auckland in partnership with Mike Fraser.

Though having limited knowledge of Waipu and it’s surrounds, a throwaway comment led the pair to accept the challenge to move back into the food business and recently took over the reins at what is once again known as Waipu Cove Cafe, but we all know it’s more than that. While acknowledging Waipu is a different experience being small, seasonal and seaside, the partners are relishing the challenge. With some alterations now complete the remodelled cafe now offers a relaxed indoor-outdoor experience for all members of the family.

“We are catering to everyone,” says Lloyd. “From December one we will be open seven days with early coffees to passing tradesmen, a breakfast menu, cater to casuals, campers, surfers and especially families with ice cream, fries, burgers and pizza. More sophisticated evening dining will include market-fresh fish and salads but well within everyone’s budget.”

Special dishes incorporating sausage, lamb and beef will be part of their ‘paddock to plate’ edict featuring product from their own Highgate Hill Farm.

“This way we know where our product is from and we are also able to pass on value to the customer,” Lloyd adds.

The kitchen belongs to chef Craig Estick, better known from SPQR in Ponsonby, Auckland (rated in the Top 50 in 2013) and also Oceans Resort at Tutukaka.

With full bar facilities the Cove Cafe provides a great venue for small or large gatherings plus end-of-year celebrations.

It’s easy to find, opposite the carpark at Waipu Cove.

Just follow the crowd!