My Account
It’s been a learning curve for the new owner of Ōrewa’s Walnut Cottage Café, Catherine Hao – it is her first venture into hospitality, and she is loving the challenge.
Catherine moved to NZ from China 25 years ago, and some of the café’s popular menu items such as fish pie (which, as she points out, is not actually a pie), lamb’s fry and bacon and mussel fritters, were new to her.
She says customers love these things, along with other traditional Kiwi fare such as freshly baked scones and muffins, which is why the Walnut Cottage Café menu will remain the same.
Catherine’s background in customer service meant she quickly felt at home working with the café’s experienced hospitality team and the previous owners who helped ease her into the role.
Customers too have welcomed Catherine, who took over officially this month.
“I have already felt that acceptance and kindness,” she says. “When you’re the boss, you need to be hands on, so I will be front of house and making sure customers are happy.”
Catherine and husband Douglas moved to Ōrewa last year. She says they were looking for a change of lifestyle and Ōrewa had left a deep impression when she first visited decades earlier.
The café’s historic building and garden filled with large trees creates a relaxing atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle.
“Children enjoy the trees and play area – it’s away from the crowd and feels calm and safe,” Catherine says.
Business Directory: Walnut Cottage Cafe
