ADDING TO THE STORY
There's something special about a good old pub. Without losing what made it one, this Matakana institution is entering a new chapter.
The Matakana Village Pub has stood in the heart of Matakana since 1903, and for more than 120 years it has been a place to eat, drink, meet and catch up. New owners Cam and Georgia Ogle see their role not as reinventing that, but building on it – keeping the good old pub, and simply adding to its story.
Cam and Georgia share a strong belief in good health, good times and great communities. For them, a local pub plays a real part in bringing people together – somewhere to celebrate, connect and simply enjoy time with others.
At the heart of that is a return to great pub food, with an increasing focus on locally sourced ingredients and the producers along Matakana and its surrounding coastline. The pub is working with local names including Matakana Butchery, Matakana Coffee Roasters and Leigh Fish, with Cam and Georgia wanting the menu to celebrate quality local produce while remaining what it should be – generous, approachable pub food. Wood-fired pizza is also being added to the offering, bringing another relaxed option for families, groups and those settling in for an afternoon.
Great food deserves great service to match, and that's just as much a priority. The goal is for The Matakana to be the kind of place where everyone feels genuinely welcome, whether that's a local dropping in for a beer, a family having dinner, or visitors discovering Matakana for the first time.
There will be plenty happening beyond the kitchen too. Fresh beers, weekly live music and a growing calendar of events are all part of the plan. Georgia in particular is bringing the events side of the pub to life, from Melbourne Cup celebrations to the inaugural Start of Summer Party, which is set to become a highlight on the pub's calendar.
The next chapter extends upstairs as well. New office spaces are being developed alongside a private dining option, while the wider venue is being set up to cater properly for corporate functions, celebrations and events.
Through all of the changes, Cam and Georgia want The Matakana to remain unmistakably a pub – warm, relaxed, family- friendly, and connected to the community around it. After more than a century, there are plenty of stories already within its walls, and Cam and Georgia are simply looking forward to adding a few more.