Central Fire Station Bistro, the elegant Napier eatery housed within an original Art Deco fire station, is now taking bookings for weddings.
Since opening in 2019, the restaurant has steadily built a loyal local following and attracted discerning visitors looking to experience only the very best of Hawke’s Bay’s food, wine, and service. Although weddings were not on their radar initially, founder and head chef, Sam Clark, says after fielding several enquiries over the past year, the team made a decision to add weddings – and other private events – to their offering.
“We’re really excited to make this move into the weddings market,” says Sam. “There’s been a clear demand from our local customers, as well as out-of-towners who have heard of us and want their guests to experience Central Fire Station.”
Sam says he, wife and co-founder Florencia Menehem, and their accomplished front of house team ably led by Julian Pfülb and Scarlett Glackin will work directly with couples to bring their perfect day to life. For weddings, the entire venue can be booked, or offsite catering arranged, with bespoke menus created to suit individual needs and dietary requirements. “Our high-quality approach remains,” says Sam. “We’ve never taken shortcuts, or compromised on ingredients, so our weddings will deliver the full restaurant experience, with sustainably-caught fish from Better Fishing, beef and lamb from local Hawke’s Bay farms, and organic vegetables from suppliers we work with directly.”
Very intimate weddings, smaller groups and corporates are able to access one of two private rooms to host their function or event. “The Engine Room is for 12-14 guests with natural light, a large boardroom table, big screen smart tv, and WiFi available, so it’s a great meeting room,” explains Sam. “At night, it’s beautiful and stylish with huge windows overlooking Clive Square, heavy drapes and comfy cushioned chairs. The Garden Room is towards the rear of the restaurant, seating 8-10, and is part of our pretty interior atrium. From here, you can watch the restaurant at work, and enjoy a more casual, slightly retro botanical theme.”
Sam says he’s been delighted at the reputation he, Flor and the team have developed by caring deeply for their craft, and delivering stunning food and wine in a beautifully restored and modernised Art Deco setting. “We seem to have struck a good balance between refined and relaxed, and people have responded really well to what we, ourselves, love to do. Part of that balance is continuing to explore and understand what is fresh, delicious and in-season, working one-on-one with suppliers, growers and winemakers and not settling for anything other than what we think is excellent.”
Central Fire Station Bistro currently has two weddings booked, as well as three large private functions, and are happy to work with event specialists, wedding planners and hire companies chosen by their clients.
Alongside weddings, Central Fire Station Bistro is also flexing its F.A.W.C! muscle this winter, hosting a free event called Club Tropicana on Friday June 4th. “The restaurant will be transformed into a steamy Hawaiian themed bar – we’re bringing the beach to town!” says Sam. “It’s so exciting – something a bit off the wall for us. I get to make some interesting and fun food that’s completely different to our normal style and Julian and Scarlett showcase their cocktail-making skills. We’re expecting a lot of laughter, florals and fedoras!”
Media Release – Central Fire Station Bistro – Tuesday 25 May