His cousin, Tim Nott, was leaving his job as chef at the Rydges Hotel in Christchurch to be head chef. Another cousin, Ashleigh Nott, a hairdresser by trade, was joining the team too. Behind this new family business, Thomas wanted to set up an affordable and low-key place, based on what he enjoyed as a child on his way out to the Sounds.
SCOTT HAMMOND/STUFF
Cieran Thomas, with AD (Adventure Dog), plans to use only the cafe-restaurant part of the building for now. “Places like Waikawa Bay . or Momorangi Bay, they used to have those little shops with icecream and lollies, milk and bread for camping . All these kinds of necessities you need when you are out on the road.”