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Noel Edmonds gets to work on the ceremonial ribbon with a chainsaw.
Harrison Edmonds, son of Noel, helps out behind the bar at the packed opening.
Famous British television and radio personality Noel Edmonds gave a glowing tribute to partners Woody Richards and Kim Wojcik as hundreds gathered for the public opening ceremony for the Warkworth Hotel.
Speaking at a gathering outside the hotel in the late afternoon of October 19, Mr Edmonds said these were extraordinary, stressful and nervous times for people in business, but Woody and Kim had nevertheless ploughed ahead with their new venture.
“I think it is incredibly bold that Woody and Kim went on with their dream because a lot of people would have bottled it. A lot of people would have said this is too frightening,” he said.
But Mr Edmonds went on to say the pair had made a good bet because of the strength of the local community.
“The reason this is going to work is because of the fabulous sense of community that there is in this country and in this local area – where people know the power of supporting local and buying local,” he said.
“I hope that all of you will feel the dynamic energy of this extraordinary couple and their team because it will draw you in here.”
He further praised the couple for their efforts in faithfully restoring the true character of the historic hotel.
“They have done this by stealing furniture from Italy and restoring local old pieces,” he said to much laughter.
Mr Edmonds said it was the “extraordinary” character of the local people that drew him and his wife, Liz Davies, to settle in the area more than a year ago.
To establish that he was now “fully in the swing of the Kiwi lifestyle”, Mr Edmonds elected to cut the ceremonial ribbon with a chainsaw.
“I thoroughly recommend the Stihl shop in Warkworth,” he quipped as he fired up the saw.
Mr Edmonds was introduced by Annie Mellor of RE/MAX Realty Group in Warkworth. She said Woody and Kim had a vision to offer two great dining experiences in one gorgeous location. A vision, which grew out of their other enterprise – The Stables Restaurant and Smiths bar in Matakana.
