Ten for ten: Tricky Hartley, The Conservatory

We took ten minutes to ask Tricky Hartley, owner of much-loved North Wharf bar and eatery The Conservatory, ten questions about what he’s been up to in lockdown. Spoiler alert: Involves cheesecake.

So, what has The Conservatory been up to during the lockdown? 
We’ve used this time positively to renovate our venue, offering an even more comfortable and welcoming vibe with a focus on our clean, green, New Zealand theme.

How will The Conservatory be operating under level 2? 
We’ve totally changed our layout to incorporate the government restrictions and are operating an online check in facility to assist with contact tracing. We are taking every measure available to offer the safest environment possible during these challenging times, and  are proud to state that we are the first bar / restaurant in the country to apply the antimicrobial product “Bio shield” which eliminates and inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria. This protects all of our surfaces for up to 90 days.

How will our experience at The Conservatory be different?
We’ll still have our same strong emphasis on delivering high quality locally sourced products with exceptional service, and yet are now we have a more varied and much improved seating options so that we are able to keep up with the demand for groups of all shapes and sizes - obviously once the restrictions are lifted.

You have a new menu! Sum the new flavours up in three words. 
Fresh, unique and tantalizing.

What’s on your new menu – tell us about a couple of new dishes you’re particularly excited about
Our lamb loin is a stand-out, it’s served atop with parmesan, pea and mustard risotto with a red wine jus and walnut crumble. A perfect hearty winter dish. For something a bit lighter but full of flavour we have our catch of the day. Fish fresh off the boat on sautéed baby carrot, radishes and kale, finished off with kafir lime, lemongrass and coconut - mango emulsion. Divine. To complete your meal, we have our guilt-free dessert, a chocolate and orange cheesecake made with cacao, maple syrup, dates and cashews to name just a few ingredients. Delectable.

And what about The Conservatory’s drinks menu – does that also have some new items?
It certainly does. Some new stunning red wines ready for winter, and our renowned mulled wine will be making a welcome return.

Tell us about the special offer for essential workers. 
From 15th May until 15th June we’ll be giving all essential services 25% off their total bill.

Why are you offering this? 
There are so many unsung heroes that have kept our society’s wheels in motion during these challenging times. Some, like the emergency services are well known, and yet there are also so many others from supermarket staff, social workers and delivery drivers who we take for granted. This is our way of saying thank you and giving back to those that have taken care of us all.

What are you most looking forward to, now you’ve opened your doors again?
Seeing our incredible locals and customers who we’ve really missed. People are what makes our industry and to now be able to re-engage with society and welcome our customers back is a great relief.

What have you learned from your COVID-19 / lock down experience?
That we take so much for granted in life. I believe we all knew it before, and yet this experience has further demonstrated that we are truly blessed to live in this incredible country, with incredible people. It’s amazing how everyone has come together through this and shown that we can all be a little kinder, appreciate what we have and re-evaluate what truly matters in life.