Growers' market marks start of summer

FRESH IS BEST: Black Barn Bistro head chef Terry Lowe and cellar door and events manager Francis de Jager with some of the local delights available at today's Growers Market opening. PHOTO/FILE

Black Barn is gearing up for their summer events, with a Saturday Growers' Market starting today and Open Air Cinema kicking off after Christmas.

The foodies' paradise has expanded to accommodate a greater variety of stalls, including seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables from local growers, fresh bread, coffee, charcuterie, preserves, flowers and the best whitebait fritters in town.

It has become an unmissable addition to Hawke's Bay's calendar and the perfect place to catch up.

"For us it's a culmination of a winter's work and the start of our summer season," cellar door and events manager Francis De Jager said.

"It's a chance to support local growers and for locals to come out and grab some fresh fruit, vegetables, a coffee and one of those famous fritters."

It will be open from 9am until 12pm every Saturday during summer, beside the underground cellar.

Celebrating its tenth year, the Black Barn OpenAir Cinema, starting December 27, brings an eclectic mix of films from Twenty feet from stardom, to Woody Allen's You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger, Vertigo, Fight Club and The Great Gatsby.

The New Zealand Mountain Film Festival also makes its debut with a unique selection of Black Barn's best picks.

"There are a lot of great classics, a thriller, comedy, documentary and more, so there's pretty much something for everyone."

The new season runs from December 27 to 30 and January 2 to 6 and attracts Hawke's Bay locals and visitors.

"I think that events are all about longevity and it's great that they know it's on - we get really good local patronage and people come from throughout the country.

"By this time of year, we have usually had it up on Eventfinda for about two months and we have had over 25,000 views in that time, people do follow it very closely because Hawke's Bay is a summer destination and it adds to that whole experience."

Dobsons Photo & Camera in Havelock North, Hastings, and Napier will have tickets for $20 or buy them online at: www.blackbarn.com for $18 plus $2 booking fee.