Café On The Green

The Willows Café in Glentunnel (part of the Hororata Golf Club) is about to undergo some big changes. At 3pm on Friday, July 22nd the Café is changing ownership from Sarah Van Hoof to Coalgate locals Zoe and Jimmy Robertson and will now be known as ‘Café on the Green’. “Owning a café has always been a dream of mine and I don’t think I would be doing this if it was any other café,” commented Zoe. “I assumed that I would have to wait until our children (Heath and Fergus Currie, Theo and Ava Robertson) were much older and independent, but the opportunity presented itself and the location is perfect,” Zoe continued. The family are no strangers to business, having been company owners and directors for almost twelve years with building company Phase 2 Construction, which employs thirteen builders. “Before owning our building company and having extra kids, I spent several years working in hospitality, including several of the local hotels,” said Zoe. “I’m a real foodie, I cook when I’m happy, sad, angry and in times of tragedy. I have to feel like I’m helping, and when facing illness, grief, adversity or whatever someone is going through, everyone still needs to eat! “I’m always in my kitchen creating something, it’s my happy place. My kids love to join me, and I’ve made it my mission to ensure all my kids can cook. “I’m a creative person, and I have found that this is my way of expressing that. I’m good at baking too, but cooking is my favourite. There is something soothing about chopping onions and garlic and then frying them, the smell that emanates, it’s mouth-watering… that is what home cooking is about. “I’ve always been good with people and enjoy creating connections and meeting new people. I have the most eclectic group of friends as a result - no one type of person, just anyone that I’ve created that Back: Fergus, Zoe, Jimmy, Heath. Front: Ava and Theo.

connection with. “We’ve created a new menu, simple and back to basics, with a focus on awesome, hearty/homecooked food. We’ll add to it along the way, but want to get our feet under us first. “The aim to be as communityfocused as possible, to support local businesses and be a part of the area we love so much. Johnny Fresh will be our produce supplier, Little Red Farm will supply eggs, we’ll be stocking Coalgate Honey for sale as well as using it in our recipes, and LPG4U will be our gas suppliers. Keep an eye out for a local artist on our walls too. “We want the Café to become a household name and something that locals can be proud of. I am incredibly excited as well as nervous and look forward to seeing everyone at the Café soon,” Zoe concluded. This weekend the pair are holding a working bee with friends, family and some of their builders to get things underway, put their stamp on the Café and get ready for their Grand Opening on Saturday, July 30th.