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The new owners of Muldoons bar and restaurant in Orewa, Mandy and Harry Singh, say they are encouraged by customers’ response to the changes they are making.
The couple took ownership of Muldoons just over four months ago and came in fresh – this is the first time either has owned a hospitality business. Harry was formerly a self-employed property investor and Mandy was ground staff for Air New Zealand. Life was hectic for the Auckland-based couple and when their daughter, Anahat, was born 14 months ago they decided it was time to make a change that would give them more family time.
They say Muldoons was just what they’d been looking for, and Harry’s head for business, coupled with Mandy being a ‘people person’ meant they’ve hit the ground running.
Since taking over in October, the couple, working with manager Gair McSkimming, have overhauled the menu, offering traditional bar snacks, options for kids, steaks from the grill and pizza meals.
Harry says their focus is to provide a family-friendly pub and restaurant where locals are comfortable coming for not only a drink, but also an affordable meal with the kids.
“We have been turning it into a bar where it’s not all about drinking, but has a friendly and affordable family atmosphere,” Harry says.
Gair’s background in the New Zealand beef and lamb export trade is being harnessed to bring a hearty steakhouse feel to the menu, just in time for winter. Gair says that his ability to buy direct will keep the pricing fair for Coast diners.
He says almost all the food (95 percent) is made in-house, right down to the sauces and salad dressings.
Making strong connections with the community is also something that the team are working on –including sponsorship of the Hibiscus Rodders Club, the buskers festival last Waitangi Weekend and the local cricket team.
Mandy and Harry say that people are telling them that they like the change they see in the atmosphere at the bar and restaurant.
