New cafe aims to cater for all

Wright & Co cafe directors Nick Neilson (left), Liv Reynolds, Clint Toomer and Eshla Wright. Photo / Elizabeth Mardon

Wood panelling and copper accents add warmth to Havelock North's newest cafe.

The clever minds behind Hugo Chang and Mamacita are back with a fresh, daytime offering - set to open its doors this week.

Wright & Co is the namesake of Eshla Wright who has joined forces with Nick Neilson, Liv Reynolds and chef Clint Toomer on their latest project.

"We wanted to personalise the space - Eshla's going to be the friendly face you see when you come in. It seems right that her name be out front," Mrs Reynolds said.

The hot spot in Joll Rd has been a labour of love for the past three months.

One drawcard will be it will be open seven days a week as it aims to cater for everyone from the early-bird tradie after a coffee and bacon buttie at 7am to those wanting to eat green and lean.

There is an option to select meat cuts such as Bostock organic chicken to accompany a fresh salad of the day and a build-your-own custom juice service.

Ingredients will be sourced locally where possible, with Ya Bon stocking its cabinet with breads and pastries.

Those needing a caffeine hit will taste Firsthand coffee - local, organic and the winner in a blind tasting by select local connoisseurs.

Based in the former Jackson's on Joll site, the new owners have created areas to accommodate prams or highchairs and a quiet nook suitable for business meetings.

There are multiple power points and free Wifi available at the site.

"We did a lot of market research to assess who was eating where, what they were eating and why," Mrs Reynolds said. "Obviously the Village is too small to repeat any ideas. We are trying to introduce these establishments that complement pre-existing establishments. We are not trying to compete. We are doing something completely different from what's already here."

Aesthetics and interiors are a large part of what they do - an area dominated by Mrs Reynolds who has a keen eye for style and a builder husband Patrick, who makes it a reality.

Wright & Co will be open 7am to 4pm from Monday to Friday, and 8am to 4pm on weekends.

"The menu is done and the staff have been busy prepping and practising," she said.