Coffs Coast Issue 55

Page 8

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green house tav

greenhouse tavern • T U R N S

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Tobias Wiedemann,Venue Manager and Licensee, is pretty much a part of the furniture at the Greenhouse Tavern, having started there almost ten years ago. After a stint down in Newcastle, Tobias is back celebrating the venue’s 21st birthday!

T

he Greenhouse Tavern is an iconic part of our region. What is the history of the hotel? When did it turn from the former Gardens Motel into the Greenhouse

take advantage of the region's great climate. So, to that end almost the entire north side has elements that try to achieve the whole "outside in" motive. The project was a massive and complex undertaking for all the required consultants and contractors. At its busiest, the site would have Tavern? over 100 people working all at once, The site was taken up by a bringing much work for people of local investment company in the region. the early ‘90s. From there, Cue 2015, how has the At a time when construction began in '93, business flourished into most venues taking almost a year to what it is today? a were serving up complete, with the doors Throughout its life bought in frozen d opening in April 1994. the venue has constantly he version, we switc The venue boasts several evolved to provide first n to whole chicke and unique features, such rate hospitality service, d breast , butterf lie as the century-old 28 at whether it be a drink and th h crumbed fres foot Cutter "Icebreaker" a punt, a night out for the ” same day. that dominates the Public family, or full blown celebraBar and an equally impressive tion. We were the first venue faux-terracotta pot in the Bistro. in Coffs Coast to truly offer a famThe property was held by a handful of ily friendly venue, and we still provide owners before being purchased by current some of the best facilities for parents to operators ALH Group in 2006. enjoy a great meal and a drink while the kids How much work went into the origiare kept entertained. nal construction of the hotel? It has been How many staff are employed locally? Do said that the exteriors of the hotel were you have any of the original staff? originally built to accommodate the lovely The venue employs just over 30 staff. No weather Coffs Harbour experiences; can originals, but the longest serving is Wendy, our you please expand on this … Admin Officer, who has been a perpetual figure The original design team felt that Coffs at the venue since 1999. Harbour lacked options for venues that could The Greenhouse Tavern is famous for its

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well priced food, encouraging families to visit the venue. What are some standout menu items, and how has the kitchen developed? The good old pub chicken schnitzel is always a top seller. At a time when most venues were serving up a bought in frozen version, we switched to whole chicken breast, butterflied and crumbed fresh that same day. Add on your favourite toppings, and you can’t go wrong. A few years ago we also introduced pizzas to the menu, made on our own fresh bases. What other highlights does the hotel boast? A permanent jumping castle (weather permitting) is always a highlight for the kids. Our deck has just been redone with brand new timber, roof and heating, making it a fantastic all-weather space for any gathering. Thanks Tobias.


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