Relief as Coffey toasts venture

Former TV presenter and political candidate Tamati Coffey will open Rotorua's newest bar tonight.

It has been a "rollercoaster ride" but as he opens the doors to Rotorua's newest bar tonight, Tamati Coffey would not have it any other way.

After months of work, Mr Coffey and partner Tim Smith will open the doors to Ponsonby Rd tonight bringing a new, upmarket bar to Eat Streat.

Mr Coffey said they hoped the bar would become a popular spot for pre or post-dinner drinks, as well as a stylish and upmarket place for people to chill out.

He said it had been a "perfect storm" in the week leading up to opening with myriad tradies putting the final touches on the place ahead of the opening.

"There is an amazing sense of relief. It's all coming together from where we started out with a picture in our head."

He described it as "amazing, exhilarating and nerve-wracking" all at once.

Mr Coffey said the support they'd received from fellow hospitality businesses had been amazing - and many people had walked past interested in the developments.

"It's been brilliant. I've turned into a tour guide as well ... seeing everyone else excited also gets me excited."

Mr Coffey said they'd been hands-on with the design and work, and there had been changes "daily" as they worked out what ideas worked and which didn't.

"We've been mixing and matching and moulding to make the perfect product."

The toughest part of opening Ponsonby Rd had been the need to be across every aspect, from knowing and dealing with suppliers to council requirements.

"Last night I was doing the rosters, Tim was working out the prices ... Absolutely it's been the biggest learning curve."

He said one of the biggest pieces of advice they were given when opening the bar was to "know your business" - and the pair planned to take that on with the running of Ponsonby Rd.

"We want everyone to come to pop in and see us for a drink before or after they have their dinner. We believe we're fulfilling a need that no one is currently catering for."

There will be an invite-only VIP opening from 6pm to 8pm tonight, after which the bar will be open to the public.