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Even if you don’t know his name, you’ve likely seen Ross Herrick working the floor at each and every Dux venue. At exactly 4.30pm on December 16, 1992, Herrick clocked on for his first bartending shift at Dux de Lux intending to stay for just six months. Twenty-six years later he’s still there. Though he still knows how to pour a great brew, Herrick’s role has since moved from behind the bar to operations manager for all three Dux establishments. He works alongside each manager, chef, marketing team and, of course, managing director Richard Sinke, to keep Christchurch’s cornerstone of hospitality thriving.

Emma Mettrick opened Twenty Seven Steps in 2015, an award-winning restaurant that delivers delicious, well-sourced food and wine in the heart of the city. Mettrick goes above and beyond everyday table service, including organising fundraising dinners to relieve homelessness. Her career started in 1996 at Akaroa’s Astrolabe, followed by Annie’s Wine Bar at The Arts Centre before she headed to London to work at the city’s oldest restaurant, Rules, watch famous musicians from behind the counter at the Jazz Cafe and even lead Rik Mayall into his rehearsal space at the Menier Chocolate Factory. Mettrick returned to Akaroa to open The Little Bistro with coowner Paul Howells in 2010 before they found their boutique New Regent St nook.

Madeleine de Jong’s hospitality experience seems to go on forever. The dream of having her own business began early. After studying hotel administration in the Netherlands she secured her first hospitality job in London’s Savoy Hotel. During a visit to Christchurch, the world of hospitality really opened up for de Jong. She undertook a managerial role at The George, and was headhunted by hotels in Nelson, Queenstown, Australia and Jakarta. On her return to Christchurch, de Jong transformed a rundown homestead in Darfield into an upmarket B&B and private restaurant: The Oaks Historic Homestead. Eight years later de Jong moved on to found Ris’tretto cafe on Barbadoes St.

Now, she runs the neighbourhood cafe in its new St Albans location, with a hard-working team that pride themselves on great customer service and delicious food.

Discover more neat places around town at neatplaces.co.nz and download the free and offline Neat Places smartphone app. Life & Style editor: Emma Chamberlain emma.chamberlain @stuff.co.nz Advertising inquiries: adsales@press.co.nz 03 943 2451