The Tamaki Drive premises in Auckland that housed the once bustling Hammerheads restaurant is getting a new lease on foodie life – and yoga and health and wellness too.
Celebrated restaurateurs Chef Nic Watt and wife Kelly have leased the Okahu Bay waterfront space to start a wellness hub and yoga centre.
Set to open in mid-June, True Food & Yoga is planned to embrace the ever-increasingly popular health and wellness movement while also offering food that supports an active and healthful lifestyle.
The space will serve several yoga styles with two studios, an 80-seat café, a wellness room, a chiropractor room, outdoor break out room and retail section.
Nic – who runs the hugely popular MASU by Nic Watt in SKYCITY’s Federal Street – will oversee the business with Kelly running the day-to-day operations, utilising her experience in the hospitality industry combined with her passion for yoga and reflexology.
Kelly, a qualified yoga teacher and Harley Street-trained reflexologist, says the philosophy behind concept is that yoga is for everybody. “The raison d’etre is to create a community and it’s our intention to bring many creative talents to the True Food & Yoga space and give the customer the best offering.
“We want to promote a sense of wellbeing and deliver lifestyle benefits and an excellent food offer in an inspiring setting,” she says. “You can’t get much more inspiring than the wonderful sea and city views overlooking the stunning Waitemata Harbour.”
Under the couple’s direction the kitchen will be open for lunch and dinner seven days a week and for weekend brunches. The cuisine will focus on a concise local, nutrient-dense menu that will evolve with the seasons, with the couple sourcing and foraging all products from sustainable sources.
Nic, who assumes the role of general manager, says the concept has long been a dream for the couple and the timing couldn’t be better for the opening of True Food & Yoga.
“Kelly and I are passionate about the TRUE concept and feel this is the perfect location and environment to bring our combined dream to fruition and to the Auckland market”.
