New Sugar Plum cafe thriving in Marton

Amanda Wing (left) and Sarah Woodhouse at Sugar Plum. Photo / Lin Ferguson

Pride of place and humming along in Marton is the Sugar Plum Cafe - once a favourite stop for travellers on State Highway One near the Calico Line turn off to Marton.

Sugar Plum opened in Marton just three weeks ago and already the crowds flocking in have stunned owner Peter Monk.

"I thought we'd probably be a bit busier than we were but our business has doubled and the people keep on coming.''

Sugar Plum is open seven days a week and for dinner on Saturday nights.

"Last weekend we were booked out well in advance.''

As well as working in the cafe, Peter dives home to spend extra hours doing the books and coping with all the fine details of running a busy cafe.

In 2013 a fire in one of Marton's oldest buildings put the old Granary out of action.

The fire closed the Fork 'n' Spoon Cafe, which was operating in the building, damaging
the rear wall and the top storey.

It remained boarded up and sat on the market for most of the three years since the fire.

The Old Granary was built in 1856 and has had many uses over its 160 years, including as a grain store, a land agent's and a cafe.

Peter believes that the influx of people buying property in Marton and surrounds has meant the population has swelled with many of the former "Aucklanders" emeshed in daily cafe life.

"I'm pretty stunned really. I'm not moaning but it really has been so busy and kept us on our toes.''

A huge party of farmer's wives had arrived one afternoon and dined out completely on cocktails.

"Now that was amazing,'' he laughed.

The staff are happy to be busy and customer numbers coming is doubling daily because the word is out.

"And you can't beat word of mouth.''