A taste of regional history

Wairarapa faces and places line the walls of the newest restaurant and bar to open in Masterton.

Blair Thompson, Wairarapa Trading Company co-owner and manager, said the picture gallery gracing the walls of the Kuripuni premises comprise a growing count of Wairarapa-based, black-and-white images, except for a little red fire engine blazing its glory in one picture.

The restaurant and bar opened last week on the site of the former Novo Bar & Restaurant, where the Countryman Restaurant had initially opened about six years ago.

Some of the Wairarapa identities who feature on the walls of the Kuripuni restaurant are former All Black captain and coach Sir Brian Lochore, Miss New Zealand 1965 Gay Williams (nee Phelps), former world-class left-handed golfer Sir Bob Charles and past Wairarapa MP Ben Couch.

The last of the Wairarapa swaggers, Barrett "Russian Jack" Crumen, also has a framed photograph among the contemporary decor of Victorian ash floors, solid wood furniture, leather couches and seats.

Mr Thompson said a parade of patrons had already toured the gallery and recognised places and buildings that have since been demolished in Masterton such as the Midlands Hotel, which gave way to Centrepoint Mall, which itself fell to the wrecker's ball.

The gallery is a work in progress, Mr Thompson said.

New faces and places will be added to the line-up as the images are sourced.

Mr Thompson said the head chef at the restaurant is Kris Leveridge, formerly of Bar Salute in Greytown, and his three- course restaurant and bar menus feature Wairarapa produce and wines.