If you ask anyone in the sun-kissed, vibrant seaside town of Motueka where to go to eat, they’ll point you in the direction of TOAD Hall.
Once a small fruit and vege shop with its highlight offering – a simple real fruit ice cream – has evolved to become a bustling family-friendly cafe attracting locals and holiday-makers with innovative fresh food, local brews and sustainable practices weaved throughout.
Hamish and Angie, both former police officers, purchased the property some 17 years ago after becoming increasingly frustrated that the only “family friendly” place to dine was under the golden arches.
“We had four small children when we purchased the property with a dream to create a family friendly cafe with a market garden and a strong ethical sustainable ethos, selling the most nutritious food we could get our hands on,” says Angie.
And that’s exactly what TOAD Hall is today - and so much more.
The cafe, which was voted the country’s best in the 2023 Hospitality NZ Awards for Excellence, has a full dine in menu, a large outdoor dining area and natural playground for kids to enjoy. There’s an onsite brewery, a market garden, a store selling fresh produce, salads to go, cold-pressed juices, smoothies, real-fruit ice creams, local cheeses and meats, artisan products and freshly baked sourdough from their very own baker.
And there’s a common theme throughout – sustainability.
“All staff are onboard with our sustainability commitment and that is at the forefront of all of our decision making, including; where we source our meats, eggs and drygoods from and how we package our grab-and-go products.
“It is important that every decision we make nourishes our people, nourishes our community, and nourishes our planet.”
TOAD Hall follows strict recycling procedures and sustainable business practices. They use solar to generate the majority of their electrical needs, they grow much of their own produce, and they compost all of their food scraps. They only use recyclable and compostable packaging, they encourage 4-day work weeks and have honest conversations with their staff regarding mental health and wellbeing.
Hamish and Angie have the belief that for a community to thrive, all members of that community need to feel a sense of belonging, purpose, and acceptance regardless of their past, and they agree with the saying, “a rising tide lifts all boats.”
“We consciously select staff to support this vision and invest in young and unskilled people to give them qualifications, skills, and personal development along with a rich, challenging hospitality journey that opens many career opportunities for them.”
Their staff numbers rise from 40 in winter to 80 in summer months, with the region’s population doubling in size as local and international tourists flock to the region for the golden sands and walking trails.
TOAD Hall has become one of New Zealand’s most-loved cafes, and if you’re apprehensive about the name thinking you’ll be greeted by some pond-loving creatures, the name is steeped in history.
Built in the 1850's T.O.A.D Hall was the original school house at the first-ever school built in Motueka. The building was later donated to the Salvation Army by early settler Dr. Greenwood and used as their Sunday School Hall for over 100 years. At some stage, during that time it was traded with St Thomas's church and relocated to become their Sunday School Hall.
In 1998 the hall was relocated from its home at St Thomas's Anglican Church to where it sits today, Hence its name The Old Anglican Diocesan Hall (T.O.A.D Hall).
So now that no stone is left unturned, get yourself to Motueka to experience hospitality with heart and soul and served with a modest dose of genuine human warmth.
“There is literally something for everyone. I think that’s what customers love about us. Plus, of course, our great service with a smile and can-do attitude.”