Munich comes to Meeanee for F.A.W.C!

L-R Issmael Fergague, Teresa O'Sullivan, Joseph Gudex, Ezra Schofield enjoyed the Oktoberfest inspired party as the Old Church transformed into a German beer hall. Photo / Warren Buckland

The floorboards of The Old Church at Meeanee got a workout yesterday when revellers enjoyed an Oktoberfest-inspired party, as part of the Winter F.A.W.C! line-up of events in Hawke's Bay.

About 100 people were dry and cosy, seated at long tables at the venue that had been transformed into a classic German bier hall, complete with steins containing beers produced by some of Hawke's Bay's finest brewers - Hawke's Bay Brewing Company and Brave Brewing, which had samples of their core ranges on offer.

Held yesterday afternoon starting at about lunchtime, guests also enjoyed traditional bierfest fare including giant salty pretzels, bratwurst and pork schnitzel, Orton Tailored Cuisine business manager Jade Barber said.

"We wanted to do something a bit different from the normal F.A.W.C! event and it was great to see people dressed up for the occasion," she said.

Lederhosen were in evidence among the guests, including one group of medical professionals who had hunted out some authentic costumes from local hire shops.

The group included local GP Ezra Schofield, who joined some Scottish and Welsh doctors who were working in Hawke's Bay.

Mr Schofield said the atmosphere was very much like celebrations he had attended when he travelled in Germany, particularly with the addition of the live music.

That was provided by members of the Steinbenders Bavarian style brass band from Wellington - who raised the roof with plenty of Oom-pa-pa and opportunities for guests to stamp their feet, thump their tables and raise their steins.

This year's final Winter F.A.W.C! events take place next weekend and include The International Kitchen at Vidal Estate Winery Restaurant on Friday night, as well as The Truffle Trail with The Mance & Sacre Monte at The Manse, Hastings, on Saturday, and Toasted at Shed 1, Ahuriri, on Saturday night.

In addition dining deals priced from $15 to $50 are still available from participating cafes and restaurants until July 9.

For more details, check out the website: fawc.co.nz.