Warbirds & Wheels wins NZ Airport Watering Hole of the Year

Warbirds & Wheels American-style diner wins 'NZ Airport Watering Hole of the Year'

Wanaka’s Warbirds & Wheels 1950s American-style diner was awarded New Zealand Watering Hole of the Year by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) last Sunday 15 March 2015.

The annual award, voted for by over 1,000 member pilots from across the whole of New Zealand, is awarded to the café thought to be the best by the pilots who fly up and down the country.

Warbirds & Wheels was the clear winner and competed against another five nominated cafes in the country.

Presenting the trophy to the diner team in front of a packed crowd of visitors and regulars was AOPA executive member Shaun Gilbertson and Brian Hore, life member.

Brian Hore said the pilots all got to nominate their favourite watering hole before the panel of judges decided on the winner.

“Initially we go on the number of votes each café received and then we carefully look at each café, visit them and decide on a winner,” he said.

“Warbirds & Wheels caters so well for the aviation community and it’s such a great place to catch up with everyone.”

Shaun Gilbertson said the social factor was a key aspect in deciding the winner, yet service and quality of food was critical.

“The friendly service you receive every time you visit Warbirds & Wheels diner is refreshing and the food is just great. The win is well deserved and was unanimous.”

Warbirds & Wheels general manager Naomi Lindsay said the win was “a complete surprise” and meant a huge amount to the team.

“Ann, Lynette and the entire team have worked incredibly hard in the last year ensuring our café offering is first class. We’re famous for our friendly staff, great coffee, freshly baked goods and Warbirds pies,” she said.

“The airport staff and pilots are our much-loved regulars and we love having them in on a daily –sometimes twice daily basis. We’ve also got a great local following in Wanaka and Queenstown which is indicative of the exceptional service levels we pride ourselves on and the quality of our food.”

“This award means so much to the team. It’s an absolute privilege to be recognized in this way,” said Ms Lindsay.

Warbirds & Wheels diner has a 1950s American-style theme with chrome red fixtures and fittings throughout, booth style dining, a Wurlitzer jukebox playing modern and vintage classics and a Harley Davidson. In keeping with the American theme, food to order is diner style with burgers, BLTs, wedges and other favourites and the long-neck milkshakes a real favourite.

Adding a kiwi twist, freshly baked goodies are made on-site daily, as well as fresh panini, sandwiches and famous Warbirds pies. The cafe has plenty of parking and a grassed, sunny outdoor area, ideal for children and families.

Warbirds & Wheels accepted the trophy from the judging team which it will retain for a year and a plaque which will be displayed permanently.

ENDS

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