Seafood Chowder
If you’re a regular at the Brydone Hotel cafe, chances are you have already tried the Seafood Chowder. If not, try it, and you’re about to become a regular.
Food and beverage manager Charlotte Kingan says it has been one of the staples on the menu for the seven years she has been there.
“We have three dishes that we'll never get rid of, and that is our top one. It's almost like a local attraction.
“People come here for that, specifically.”
The soup is warm, creamy and hearty, Charlotte says. It is loaded with fresh fish, topped with mussels and prawns, and comes served with a house-made garlic bread.
For Ōamaru locals, the Brydone Hotel restaurant has long-been called the T-Bar, but three years ago the team made a distinct move away from the formal restaurant, towards a more cafe-feel.
There is now an all-day menu, cabinet food made in-house and fresh muffins and scones every morning.
The hotel, owned by the Ōamaru Licensing Trust, was built in 1881 and the restaurant has “been here for forever”, Charlotte says.
She wants to remind people the cafe is not just for people using the hotel facilities, although she admits before working there, she had never set foot in the place.
It’s warm and comfortable and cosy, and everyone is welcome.
“It's old fashioned hospitality, really . . . we're not into the real flash glasses and stuff. We're into better service. Good old-fashioned service. With a smile.”
Not only is the cafe open to everyone, but the entire Brydone complex can cater from one to 250 people, and has a number of function rooms available.
It also has 49 rooms for accommodation - a mix of suites and standard rooms.
“So everything’s here. You've got accommodation, your food, your conference space, everything's all here. And it is right in the heart of Ōamaru.
“We can do anything - from a funeral, to a wedding, to a conference, to even just a small little board meeting or AGM,” Charlotte says.
“You want it, we'll sort it.”