The local team behind Orchard Providores have opened their latest venture, The Public Office, a café and restaurant located on the main street of Ngatea.
Sarah and Simon Sheehy, who for the past three years have run their catering business across the Hauraki Plains, have now lovingly transformed one of Ngatea’s oldest buildings at 10 Orchard West Rd.
Paying homage to its previous history as a council office, sewing factory and classroom, The Public Office was born to offer locals a place to come together and enjoy each other’s company over good food and a drink.
The Public Office has been a long time coming for the couple, who have defied the odds to open a new hospitality business in the current climate.
“We’re so excited to be able to bring people together, especially in this space which has enjoyed a strong history in our community. This has been a huge project for Simon, myself and all the amazing locals who have helped us along the way,” Sarah said.
The pair make a great team. Sarah, who grew up in Ngatea and has a food science degree, is running front of house while husband Simon, a qualified professional chef, is in the kitchen.
Having worked in fine dining and bistro restaurants in London, Australia and Hamilton, Simon has a clear passion and vision for the food he creates.
Simon says The Public Office offers “wholesome honest food cooked really well”.
“Wherever we can we’re championing local produce and will keep the menu fresh, seasonal, and most importantly tasty,” he said.
The Public Office is open 7am-3pm Wednesdays and 7am-11pm on Thursdays and Fridays, 8am to 11pm on Saturdays and 8am-3pm on Sundays. It is also be available to book for private functions for up to 30 people on other nights of the week.
Orchard Providores will also continue to operate from the premises, catering for events and functions and also provide Christmas meals, frozen ready-made meals delivered every Thursday and cater for Earth Energies Sanctuary retreat in Mangatarata.
PHOTO: Simon and Sarah Sheehy have opened the doors of their new cafe and restaurant, The Public Office.
