Ferry Landing Cafe and Day Bar opens

By Pam Ferla

Fresh decor and fresh cuisine are the hallmark of the new Ferry Landing Cafe and Day Bar which

opened for business last week.

A ferry ride across the lovely harbour or a scenic drive will find you at this venue which offers a

relaxed beachy setting including pleasant tropical styled outdoor spaces.

Owners Nigel and Michelle Fenton-Lee are excited about their new venture.

Chef Nigel has over 35 years international experience including working in top hotels. Michelle

spent over 20 years working in management in corporate retail environments and enjoys meeting people.

The couple have already made a name for exciting cuisine and friendly service at The Old Mill

Waterfront Cafe by Tairua’s Marina.

When Cooked Mexican Restaurant relocated to central Whitianga, Nigel and Michelle spotted the

opportunity to expand their business and provide a casual cafe dining experience for locals and

visitors to the Cooks Beach and Whitianga areas.

Michelle has already received good feedback from diners at Ferry Landing and looks forward to meeting more local residents.

“We have brought new staff on board here and we are really happy with our team,” she adds.

The cafe offers seasonal produce baked daily, with breakfast and lunch options available all day. For

a good start to your day you can order the bach breakfast – free-farmed bacon and two poached

eggs, crispy home-made hash brown, kransky sausage and house-made baked beans, all served with

grain toast and castle rock tangy tomato chutney!

“And there’s an interesting summer menu on the horizon,” says Nigel. “Our goal is to have the two venues open seven days between the two sister locations.

Current opening hours at Ferry Landing Cafe and Day Bar: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 8.30am – 6pm, with pizza on the menu after 3pm. Monday hours 8.30am – 2.30pm.

Summer hours at Tairua’s Old Mill Café: Wednesday to Sunday, 8.30am – 2.30pm.

Caption: Michelle and Nigel Fenton-Lee, owners/operators of Ferry Landing Cafe