The opening of Brunel Peaks Café and Bar, a new eatery at the Monowai Road turn off, has been 60 years in the making, says operator Jude Nicolson.

The café is built on a farm owned by the Robertson family.

When original owners Gray and Valmai Robertson purchased the property over 60 years ago, Gray mentioned to his wife that the corner where the café now stands would be the perfect place for tea and scones.

While Gray has sadly passed, Valmai was there to unveil the café signage on Sunday. 

Valmai Robertson unveils Brunel Peaks new signage. Photo: Supplied.

Nicolson says while Brunel Peaks is currently only open for takeaways, business has so far been great.  

“The local support is amazing, we’ve had car clubs come by, and weddings.”

“We’re on the main tourist route, and we’ve seen lots of locals, people coming from Invercargill to Dunedin, and lots of people from Manapōuri. Lots of campervans too.” 

The café has also proven popular with workers on local farms, and those heading to and from the Borland area of Fiordland National Park. 

“We’ve got people heading off for walks and to go hunting and fishing. We see a lot of boats go past,” says Nicolson.  

The interior of the café, which is yet to be opened to the public. Photo: Supplied

The scenic café is the brainchild of Nicolson and her husband Neil, as well as the Robertson family. 

“They’ve always been keen to have a café on the spot. I’ve got the hospitability background and they’ve got the land, so we joined forces and opened the café,” she says.  

Nicholson says that despite the spread of Covid-19 in the Southland community, now feels like the right time to open.

“Our timing is just right, I think. It’s been a long building getting it finished, and I think if we were trying to open earlier when there were lockdowns it would have been more uncertain. There’s still plenty of people around now.” 

Brunel Peaks Café and Bar will open fully as soon as their building license is finalised, but for now are serving food and locally roasted ROAR coffee from their takeaway window.