New eateries open in Rotorua

SUCCESS: Phillip Swinton and Kryselle Swinton (front right) say their first month in business has been a whirl. PHOTO/BEN FRASER 090114BF4

Fresh batch of eateries for city

A new inner city cafe is one of several establishments to open in Rotorua recently, with more set to follow.

Be Rude Not To opened in the former Hall's Furniture premises on Pukuatua St on December 12.

Part-owners Phillip Swinton (formerly of The Gantry in Ngongotaha and the Agrodome cafe) and his niece Kryselle Swinton said they opened the doors at 12 noon, without any advertising or fanfare, and were shocked by what happened.

"We were slammed," Ms Swinton said. "By 1pm we were full."

Ms Swinton said they knew there was a gap in the market for a cafe with gluten and allergy-free food - which now made up about 80 per cent of the menu.

The pair said the new cafe was also about "pushing Rotorua".

Proud locals, they are working with tourism operators to promote what the city has to offer.

The quirky name is inspired by the popular mountain biking trail - Mr Swinton was lying "exhausted" on the ground after a ride when he looked up and saw the sign.

"I raced back down the hill and told everyone."

Another bakery/cafe - Foodies Bakery Cafe & Roast - opened on Boxing Day on Eruera St opposite the Ruck & Maul.

It is owner Nero Ren's first cafe and is open from early until 8pm every day.

A staff member said the cafe was going okay, although many people didn't yet know it was there.

After being closed since October, the former Heaven & Hell nightclub is poised to reopen with a new name, new logo and new look.

The Arawa St club's name has been revealed on its Facebook page as #Vegas and its opening date will be revealed next week.

Next door, the former Royale Lounge has been earmarked by owner Matt Ralm for a new gastrobar.

Before Christmas he told the Rotorua Daily Post the venue, with outdoor and indoor bars, would be aimed at the 25-plus age group and would be "amazing".

He said it was likely to be early February before the new gastrobar opened.

In November, restaurant Jazzed Bar & Eatery opened on the site of the former Lewisham's restaurant on Eat Streat - just in time to take advantage of the buzz from the street's development.

Meanwhile, on Tutanekai St, a sign in a window proclaiming "Spice Lounge Coming Soon" has been tantalising spicy food fans for months.

A Facebook page for the Indian/Italian/Chinese restaurant/cafe/bar was set up in October advertising it as Rotorua's "first multi cuisine restaurant", however no opening date has been set. Efforts to contact the owner were unsuccessful.

There are also signs of life at the former Seismic Gastrobar on Whakaue St, which closed last year.

The Rotorua Daily Post understands it has been bought by a Rotorua restaurateur who plans to open a new establishment in the premises. However, no date has been set for the opening and the new owner was not yet ready to share details of their plans.