What happens when a Francophile craft beer enthusiast meets a Francophone restauranteur ?

No, this is not a joke. It’s great news.   They decide to launch a restaurant, bar, café/eatery and craft beer brewery – noblesse oblige – but not necessarily in that order.

Neck of the Woods is the name of their establishment, and 50 Taitimu Road, Tauriko is the address. It is high on the slopes above the Lakes with a deck with a view.

The Francophone is Virgile Meiller.  A life in hospitality began in his gastronomic home city of Lyon followed by 3 years in Belgium and 15 years (and 2 restaurants) in Namibia, before his arrival in New Zealand 4 years ago.

The Francophile is Scott Taylor whose French connection goes back to a year as an exchange student in Amiens and university studies, plus parents who resided in Vanuatu where French is one of the official languages.

The two met and connected in Tauranga through their passion for craft beer.  A passion rewarded when the Neck of the Woods’ first brew won the People’s Choice Award against 21 other breweries at the recent national Lagerfest.

The Neck of the Woods Food Co eatery is the first step in the hospitality project.   It’s almost ready, date to be confirmed, but early in February.
Once this is open and running, they will be turning their attention to the brewery and brewpub.

So, if you’re looking for a place to practise your French et commander une bière en français, this will be the place to go. Plans for une dégustation de bière artisanale presented en français are also on the agenda.
Anyone interested ?

Check out Neck of the Woods  for updates and details of the launch.

Instagram: @neckofthewoodsbeerco

Facebook: @neckofthewoodsbeerco

Website: www.neckofthewoods.beer

Then go visit.

À la tienne, Étienne !