Whether you're in a suit and tie, or shorts and a T-shirt, White Swan proprietor Rob Slater wants people to feel comfortable at the Greytown establishment.
Their relaxed atmosphere, according to Mr Slater, is part of what has earned them a finalist spot in the Best Country Hotel category ofthe 2012 Hospitality New Zealand Awards For Excellence.
"We want them to feel like it's their house, to come in, kick off their dirty shoes if they need to, sit in front of the fire as long as they want, and play board games." He said the service, their healthy financial position, and food and drink also contributed to their nomination.
Chef Craig Wingate had also come on board in the past few months, upping the standards at the restaurant, said Mr Slater.
He said the judges came over from Wellington to have a look around, assessing the place on how it looks after customers and what it's giving back to the community. "We give half a million worth of employment each year to the community, and there's all the sponsorship too."
Mr Slater said The White Swan has been a finalist three times in the past four years but they have yet to pick up an award. He reckons the September 26 awards dinner will be their time. "We'll hopefully be bringing home some goodness for the team."
The White Swan is the only Wairarapa finalist in the 16 award categories, and will come up against the Duke of Marlborough Hotel in Russell and the Tuakau Hotel in Waikato.
