Mountain house re-opens in style

THE iconic Stratford Mountain House opened for business again last week and the historic building is back to its former glory, plus more.
The Mountain House is offering a new standard in accommodation and food, targeted at  locals, visitors and corporate groups, with reasonably priced  food of a very high standard.
Ngati Ruanui Holdings Operating Company purchased the Mountain House last year and work began in September. After extensive renovations the doors re-opened last Thursday.
New managers are Lynne and Rod Pulford, who are delighted to offer a high class of catering and accommodation.
"As well as visitors and corporate organizations, we are here very much for locals," said Rod.
 "We are offering excellent food and have kept prices down to be affordable for local diners.
"The mountain house also has a big future for weddings, conferences and a place for retreats or team building," he said.
Coming home
Lynne and Rod are no strangers to the Mountain House. They helped Keith and Berta Anderson run the lodge for three months in 2002 and they are very pleased to return there.
They love the place and agreed the best part of living on the mountain is the fresh air, the peace and the mountain water.
Both raised in Central Taranaki, they know the catering industry. Rod worked at Barry's Restaurant in Hawera and they set up the successful Rough Habits Sports Bar and Cafe in Hawera with another couple. They ran this for five years, winning Taranaki Small Business of the Year.
They then bought Zanzibar Café, Bar and Restaurant in New Plymouth, running this for five years.
 "It's great to come back to the mountain and be part of the Mountain House again. And I'm looking forward to seeing old friends again," said Rod.
"There's been fantastic support from local businesses as we do up the place. They show a great attention to detail and back up service," he added.
There is a staff of 10 and a friendly atmosphere fills the place.
The mountain house is open seven days and seven nights a week, from 9am to late.
Top tucker
The Stratford Mountain House has a state-of-the-art new kitchen and two top class chefs. Head chef Kara Te Wiki of Hawera, and sous chef Shelley Macfie of New Plymouth are really enjoying cooking there.
They offer breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner and the mountain house also has a café area for Ozone coffee (takeaway if you wish) and cakes.
There is a wide range of wines and evening dishes include entrees, mains that include salmon, steak, lamb, mixed grills, chicken and pasta, and delicious desserts. There is also a kids menu available.
Classy accomodation
Accommodation is top class at Stratford Mountain House.
There are three accommodation areas, one attached to the main building and two up a short track tucked away in the bush.
These contain 10 units in total and can cater for up to 22 people. One is a family unit.
Each unit has a spa bath, television and super king size bed.
They are luxury accommodation units that would not be out of place in any top class hotel, but have the advantage of the peace and quiet only the mountain can provide.