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A Pukekohe restaurant has been recognised as one of the country’s 50 best eateries.
Franklins Bar and Eatery was named one of Estrella Damm Top 50 restaurants, and won the Upper North Island category at the New Zealand Gastropubs Awards.
Owners Eugene and Hannah Hamilton were unable to attend the awards in person, finding out about their win from social media and messages from friends.
Reflecting on the regional award, the couple said it reflected their determination to offer a quality experience and quality dining.
“We work hard to source local products, and we make everything we sell, down to the hand-cut fries grown here in Pukekohe,” said Eugene.
The restaurant has also become the country’s newest embassy.
Whisky embassy, that is.
A whisky enthusiast, Eugene said he was thrilled to become an Ardbeg Embassy, which means the restaurant gets access to special events and limited-edition blends.
Hannah and Eugene embarked on a speedy but extensive renovation before opening the
restaurant in 2020.
“The only things we kept from Smart Bar were two stainless steel shelves in the kitchen, and two of the original ice wells in the bar,” he said.
“It was a big job and a very quick turnaround. It took about six weeks,” Hannah said.
Opening in 2020 was not without its challenges, either.
“We managed to open the day it turned Level 2 for Auckland. We were allowed about 100
people in, but they all had to be seated and couldn’t move around.”
The following year Franklins Bar and Eatery had to be closed for about four months due to the restrictions, Hannah said.
“It was an uncomfortable time to be working in hospitality,” she said.
Despite these hard times, both Eugene and Hannah don’t regret taking on their own restaurant.
They’ve even opened two other restaurants in Pukekohe: SuMei and Hana Michi.
