One of Wairarapa's most well known husband and wife teams in hospitality are back and they are now at the reigns of one of our most celebrated hotels. Richard and Michelle Johnson are managing New Zealand's oldest pub- the Greytown Hotel. The Trust House-owned South Wairarapa icon has had a $2 million upgrade and is now blessed with some of the best facilities around. With top management, a new chef and thoughtfully redesigned restaurant and bar the 'Top Pub' has never been in better shape. Richard and Michelle have managed some of the most popular establishments in Wairarapa in years gone by.

In the 80s Richard ran the Horseshoe in its public bar heyday when it was doing some of its biggest turnover ever during the Golden Shears. They brewed over 100,000 litres of Wairarapa's finest in Burridges Brewhouse upstairs. Michelle brought some of New Zealand biggest name acts to the Horseshoe from The Exponents, to Shona Laing, to Hello Sailor and she used to manage Governors. Since they left Wairarapa 15 years ago they have been working in hospitality in the central North Island and run fishing charter boats. Richard says he has a passion for taking on challenges and making them work. Trust House has invested a lot in the Greytown community by doing up the Greytown Hotel and the Johnsons want to make it as successful as they can.

Their new chef with international experience, Ian Preston, is excited about bringing his versions of 'old classics with a twist'. The delicious food is reasonably priced and served with pride. Ian says there shouldn't be anything on this menu that people haven't heard of, but they are definitely going to enjoy his take on classic meals. Dishes such as Beef Cheek Casserole with Herb Dumplings promise to be mouth-watering. Ian is planning to include a Chateaubriand, which is a 450gram Fillet Roast especially for two that comes with Marquis Potatoes in a Red Wine Jus. Another notable addition will be the Chicken Roulade stuffed with ricotta, olives and preserved lemons. Desserts will include a beautiful Crème Brulee or a delicious Baked Cheesecake which will change flavours week to week. These are some of the treats patrons can look forward to on the winter menu due to be unveiled soon. Right now diners can enjoy classics such as the Top Pub Scotch Fillet or the Baked Dory upon baby roasted potato with spinach & bacon lardoons drizzled with beurre banc. The wine list concentrates on a comprehensive selection of fantastic Wairarapa wines, which are always popular with locals and visitors alike. Of course a Top Pub legend is still on the menu. Pat's Famous Sunday Roasts are well-known as one of the best meals available in Wairarapa.

Bookings are essential. The Greytown Hotel is now one of the best venues in South Wairarapa for conferences, weddings, functions and parties. The dining room has a special conference room extension which is fully equipped with modern facilities. The dining room can cater to up to 100 people and there is ample parking and a garden bar. For more information talk to Richard or Michelle on 06 304 9138.