The Oyster Inn Celebrates 10 Years

dish chats to co-owner of The Oyster Inn Josh Emett to ask him about the Waiheke institution's 10th anniversary. 

After all the challenges you’ve faced with Covid, how gratifying is it to achieve this 10-year milestone?

It’s an incredible milestone, especially navigating the rough seas of the last few years. We can’t take all the credit as The Oyster Inn was seven years old when we took on the business in February 2020. There have been times we were doubtful we would make the 10-year birthday so we’re incredibly proud of this achievement.

What do you think it says about the restaurant and the local community that helps support it?

The restaurant is loved by so many. Even before we bought the Inn, Helen, the boys and I would come regularly and consider it to be one of our favorite New Zealand restaurants. Our immensely loyal locals are such a key part of what gives the Inn its special vibe. A group of regulars got together when Covid-19 first closed our doors and bought vouchers to help with cash flow. One of them bought a voucher that was several thousand dollars.

You’ve enjoyed success with the likes of Onslow, how does this milestone compare?

Operating for a decade for any business is a significant achievement. Hospitality is an unforgiving industry, one that sees a lot of turnover and failings. We are incredibly proud of The Oyster Inn.

What is the vibe around the restaurant and the community like now that we’re seemingly on the other side of the pandemic?

It was eerie spending time in the Inn when the doors were closed, it felt gloomy and sad. The minute we opened the doors and diners came back to the place and it sprung back to life, the positive vibes flooded back in. We are getting busy again and are especially excited to be serving tourists again.

How does it compare to pre-pandemic days?

We took The Oyster Inn on four weeks before the world went into lock down so we haven’t really experienced pre-pandemic days as owners, but know as guests that it was such a vibrant spot with amazing energy.

Tell us about the planned festivities for the 10^th anniversary

We have lots planned, we have 2 for 1 oysters every Thursday in November and had a celebration dinner with a special menu champagne and live music to kick off the festivities. We are also bringing back the Sunday DJ sessions for summer - these were very popular five years ago. We also have some new merchandise launching including some tee’s designed by an illustrator on the island. Keep an eye out for these over summer! We also designed some limited-edition beach towels in partnership with our friends at Asuwere. There are two styles: The classic awning stripe and The Oyster Inn logo. They’ll be a summer staple and will sell out fast!

What would you say to potential diners who have yet to make the ferry trip over to The Oyster Inn?

Make a booking and get to the ferry in time! We hate turning people away but sometimes those who try and walk-in at the start of lunch service might not find a table available as very often we are fully booked. We do always have a few spots at the bar but be sure to secure a booking ahead of time.

The Oyster Inn is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a long lunch. Perched high above Oneroa, it's a great place to enjoy a cold drink and devour dishes from our delicious menu. I’d advise anyone to start with our very popular seafood tower.

What do you hope the next 10 years look like for The Oyster Inn?

High energy - I can see the Inn will be celebrating 20 years. In my opinion, it will stand the test of time.

theoysterinn.co.nz

Win a Lunch or Dinner Experience For Two with The Oyster Inn

To commemorate The Oyster Inn's 10th anniversary milestone, we have x1 lunch or dinner experience for two to give away to one lucky dish reader!*

Prize pack includes:

• 1x 3-course lunch OR dinner for winner and a guest.
• 2 glasses of Champagne on arrival.

To enter, simply fill out the form below. Competition closes Tuesday November 29, 2022. 

*Please read all terms and conditions before entering.