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Significant investment into a new restaurant and bar in Waikiwi reflects the Invercargill Licensing Trust’s commitment to the community it serves.
Almost a year since construction began, The Waikiwi and an adjacent restaurant to be known as The Foundry, opens today.
The all new Waikiwi & The Foundry Restaurant on the corner of Gimblett & North Road. Photo: whatsoninvers.nz
Trust sales and marketing manager Chris Ramsay said the development was a fantastic asset for Invercargill.
“This is an anchor property for us because it serves the northern end of Invercargill and we are very proud of the final result,” he said.
“It’s the best quality, modern facilities we can provide for the city and reflects our commitment to providing Invercargill with world class hospitality.”
Manager Vicky ready to pour you a pint. Photo: whatsoninvers.nz
Tavern area downstairs. photo: whatsoninvers.nz
Stairs up to the mezzanine level. Photo: whatsoninvers.nz
The modern fully-equipped tavern, which includes a bottle store and gaming area, features a mezzanine floor designed to capture the sun and a garden bar with a louvered roof to protect from the elements when needed.
Birds eye view of tavern area below from mezzanine level. Photo: whatsoninvers.nz
Upstairs on the mezzanine level. Photo: whatsoninvers.nz
Upstairs on the mezzanine level looking out to North road. Photo: whatsoninvers.nz
Previous builds such as the Thar and Feather in South Invercargill and the Saucy Chef at the Northern in Windsor were testament the respective neighbourhoods took pride in their local establishments.
“We’re really excited for the Waikiwi community and believe they will embrace this just as other areas have,” Ramsay said.
“There is also an element of keeping what works so popular entertainment such as the mechanical bull will still be in the Tavern area.”
Heaps of outdoor area for drinks on sunny Southland days. Photo: whatsoninvers.nz
Ground level outdoor area looking towards Gimblett street. Photo: whatsoninvers.nz
A distinctive rotunda space creates a focal point in the building’s architecture and because of it’s flexibility can be utilised by either the tavern or the restaurant. Photo: whatsoninvers.nz
“From a building perspective, it’s a step outside our traditional restaurant theme,” Ramsay said.
“It will provide a very flexible and unique space. Even before it was finished it was certainly a talking point which shows the potential for this area.”
Lots of steel and metal in The Foundry Restaurant. Photo: whatsoninvers.nz
The Trust has recruited head chef Greg Jenks from the renowned Hilton in Queenstown to add his culinary flair to The Foundry.
“Our focus is on delivering a high quality dining experience and that means having the right personnel in place to make it a reality,” Ramsay said.
The Foundry Restaurant pre dinner drinks area. Photo: whatsoninvers.nz
The Foundry Restaurant bar. Photo: whatsoninvers.nz
The Foundry Restaurant set ready for diners. Photo: whatsoninvers.nz
Industrial theming and an exposed kitchen were among many stylish characteristics of the 100-seat restaurant, along with the ability to introduce alfresco dining.
The open view restaurant kitchen. Photo: whatsoninvers.nz