The Old Church Restaurant Testimonials and Reviews

Well here I sit an old married man, or at least 6 weeks old that is, and as one ages it is time to reflect and let one’s mind drift to times past.  Am I prematurely aged by the wedding business and all its attendant stresses?  No….far from it, and why you ask would that be?  Well the choice of the Old Church Meeanee, Hawke’s Bay was has a lot to do with it.

It all started with a dinner out, walking into the Old Church you are immediately struck by the baroque furnishings, red velvet sofas and grand chandelier, add fantastic food, excellent service and vineyard surrounds with the Ruahine and Kaweka ranges in the distance and you have all you need for a truly special lunch/dinner treat.  Finding that the Old Church also did weddings it was a no brainer to choose it  as our venue

Their dedicated events planner Georgie was available at all times and incredibly helpful with everything required, easing the stress of the planning stage and the professional way in which all was accomplished did much to appease the prospective brides worries.

The restaurant was cleared and set up with chairs for the service, being a deconsecrated mission a “churchy” atmosphere was easy to create, the prepared music all came at the right time at the right volume and the service went without a hitch.

Whilst our guests enjoyed drinks and truly delicious canapes in the conservatory overlooking the above mountains the staff rapidly transformed the church into a reception venue. 

The detail on the tables and opulence of the decorations means that no extra embellishments were required.  Often I am disappointed with the food and service at weddings but not in this case the service was exceptional with truly delicious food and 3 choices for our guests all prepared with the love and care that goes into their lunch/dinner time service.  Wine glasses were kept topped up and no table was allowed to run dry.

Unbeknown to us our MC had prepared a whole media show and this ran without a hitch, the venue already set up with PA speaker system and large screen.

To be honest the rest of the night is a bit of a blur, but all I know is that the bar service could not be faulted and our guests were all full of praise for what is a truly exceptional venue, I truly believe that there can be few better places in the world to tie the knot.

All was not over as we stayed in the villa which was the old presbitary, villa it may be but once you are inside a better description might be the Russian Princes dacha.  Baroque velvet opulence mirrors the décor of the restaurant with wonderful four poster beds ladened with deep furnishings and cushions, antiques abound around the villa and huge Victorian baths allowed us to wallow and reflect.  The Kitchen was pre-stocked with breakfast supplies, wine (in a dedicated wine fridge) and unlimited coffee from the espresso machine complete with a warmed cup tray.  We used the villa for an open house for guests the day after the wedding, again catered by the old church, the staff were invisible as trays arrived and went and no request was too much.  Everyone was blown away by the villa and I have to say that as a fairly seasoned traveller it really is the most amazing place I have stayed.

Everyone loves their wedding day (at least I hope that is the case) but I  have to say that ours was that little bit more special and a big part of that is due to the Old Church and its staff…….thanks guys.

Tania and Mark

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Saturday night was the big one. We had heard from several people how fantastic the Old Church restaurant in Napier was. Upon arrival, it was clear we were in for a real treat. The service was spectacular, the steak magnificent, the Lamb Rack a delicacy and the caramelised dessert complete opulence. Coupled with some of the finest wines in New Zealand, asking for more would be rude.

2008 Foodshow "Win a Weekend" Winner, David Kay and his family from Auckland.

Read David's full review

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October 26,2009

Good evening Karen

We have just had the opportunity to stay at the old villa in Napier this weekend  and wanted to congratulate you on the exquisite design and   supreme indulgence of this unique accomodation.  From the service of your excellent staff to the beautiful gardens and food,  it was a very relaxing place to stay  and I will be highly recommending this to my friends.  

Kindest regards

Annette Kirk

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A new vote has been placed on corporateeventsguide.co.nz for The Old Church Restaurant & Bar by roscoleo@xnet.co.nz

Message:
What a great venue, great hosts & staff & FANTASTIC FOOD