The People Behind the Places: Meet the Food and Drink Heroes of Hastings

Ya Bon French Baker is an artisan wholesale bakery very well known around Hawke’s Bay. In cafés and restaurants around Hastings, Havelock North and beyond, you will often come across Ya Bon pastries, recognisable by their crisp, buttery layers and, of course, delicious taste.

Ya Bon shares their space in Hastings with coffee shop Cupple and the large, internal glass windows that separate the cafe from the bakery pique the interest of many a cafe-goer — enjoy watching bakers hard at work as you sip on your perfectly poured coffee, producing the best carby goods in the region, right in front of your nose.

Caffeine superstar Workroom is a bustling morning coffee spot down the end of a laneway off Havelock North’s Joll Road. Run by coffee roasters Firsthand Coffee, the café is also the site of the roastery, so you can enjoy your fresh cup while peering into the roasting site. The pastries in the cabinet just happen to be from Ya Bon in Hastings, so do yourself a favour and order at least one, you won’t regret it!

The entire Hawke’s Bay region is renowned for its vineyards and excellent wine production, but there are several cideries that are pretty amazing too.

Zeffer began producing cider back in 2008, and as their popularity grew they decided to make the move to Hawke’s Bay where two key ingredients for cider making are readily on offer: sunshine and apples. Their taproom in Fernhill is just a 20-minute drive from central Hastings and is a great spot to enjoy tasting your Zeffer favourites, plus some new releases. Check out their social media for opening hours (summer months only).

Another cidery nearby doing fantastic work is Three Wise Birds. With a family history in fruit orchards, brothers Jack and Charley know a thing or two about the ingredients they need to make a darn good cider. Their garden bar is just the place to relax in the sun with some mates or family, a glass of something special in hand.

Photo supplied by Not Stock / Nancy Zhou

Found in Hastings’ Tribune precinct, Oh My Goodness Speciality Breads is serving up all the gluten-free goods. The story of this bakery, milling site and café began over 15 years ago when owner Scott first began developing his OMGoodness Bread to be not only gluten-free but also nutritious, have a great texture and taste amazing. He has certainly succeeded! You can buy freshly baked bread on-site, or a pre-made mix to whip up your own at home. Enjoy the beautiful and cosy cafe set-up with nourishing food in the cabinet and pizza available by the slice. Whatever you choose, it’s guaranteed to be 100% yum.

We cannot celebrate the food and drink heroes of Hastings without mentioning just some of the wine folk who are doing incredible things in their field.

Craggy Range is synonymous with Hawke’s Bay wine production and, since it was established in 1998, has produced an iconic collection of wines. Situated in a stunning location with views of Te Mata Peak, a visit here is a must.  Whether you do a wine tasting or have a meal at the restaurant, it is a New Zealand vineyard at its finest. If you’re staying nearby in Havelock North, make sure you go to Mary’s restaurant in town.  It’s a partnership with Craggy Range and the same impeccable service and hospitality are offered.

There are, of course, so many vineyards worth visiting, but if you're limited on time (and transportation), then a visit to one of the urban cellars might be the way to go. In the centre of Hastings, you will find Decibel, helmed by winemaker Daniel Brennan.  Pop in for a quick tasting or book ahead for a more in-depth guided session. And in Havelock North, Smith & Sheth provides a luxury tasting experience like no other, a complete education even for the most well-versed wine lover out there.

Cliff Fernandes is well known around Hastings for his much-loved dosas, which he has been serving at the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market for many years (you can still find the Dosa Project there each Sunday morning). Now there’s also Cliff’s Colab Café, i.e. even more chances to enjoy his delicious food. The menu at the café changes weekly, with cabinet specials and dishes from the kitchen all embracing the original flair Cliff brings to the dosas at the market.

Image supplied by The Dosa Project. 

Husband and wife dream team Matt and Gemma began Brave Brewing Co. in late 2014 out of their home garage, which has evolved and grown over the years to a standalone brewery and taproom in the Tribune precinct. Trying a beer fresh from the source is precisely how Brave wants you to experience its brews. The taproom provides the perfect environment to accompany your beer samplings — with a large dining room inside, a bright and breezy outdoor courtyard and a killer food menu to match, it makes for a great afternoon or evening out.

Hawthorne first opened its doors back in 1999, so if you’re looking for a guaranteed great cup of coffee, make a beeline here.

Not only are they master baristas, but the onsite roastery also produces some of the best beans around the region (you will find many other cafés in the area using Hawthorne Coffee). If you’re short on time, the perfect solution for you comes in the form of a takeaway window down the side of the building. Otherwise, relax and enjoy your favourite flat white or cappuccino at one of the tables inside, and if you’re a bit peckish, why not add a Ya Bon pastry to your order?

Giant Brewing in Havelock North is exactly the type of place you want to head to for an after-work drink or to meet up with family and friends for a casual get-together.

The atmosphere here is relaxed and inviting, with great attention to detail on the fitout, epic beers brewed on-site on tap, and delicious food from Good Company Catering. What began as a small side project years ago has become a fully-fledged brewery, and it is well worth a visit if you’re in Havelock North or nearby.

A visit to Hastings would not be complete without heading to the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market.

An institution since 2000, these Sunday markets celebrate the best local produce, artisans and makers from all around the region. There are stalls where you can stock up on pantry staples and fresh ingredients for the week ahead. Then, of course, there are the street food vendors where a delicious breakfast or lunch awaits you — the most difficult decision is which one to pick, as there’s no wrong choice!

Image supplied by Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market.