The Old Church Restaurant& Bar
Melanie Alderton and Richard Highnam, managing directors of The Basil Group, are the new custodians of Hawke’s Bay’s iconic landmark, The Old Church Restaurant & Bar. And they bring skills from far and wide to the business. Richard as head chef has an extensive background cooking in some of New Zealand’s best-known restaurants and abroad. While Melanie, although new to hospitality, brings business acumen from her career around software development to the role of general manager. Since purchasing the business this dynamic duo have focused on adding a new style of menu and a professional, consistent level of service to the already magnificent building. Recent comments are praising the food and service as well as the ambience. While weddings and functions are a big part of this business they are still spending much time and energy developing their product offering in the local a la carte and events market with regular food and beverage events, including winemakers’ dinners, cocktail classes and even an evening of Burlesque.