Serving up fun on the sidelines
Jamie Williams, a manager of the Wellington Hospitality Group, is hosting a mini fan zone for Lions fans near Munchen, one of his 19 bars. We caught up with him just as Lions fans started to descend on the capital.
YOU MANAGE A HOST OF BARS ACROSS WELLINGTON, HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR THE LIONS SERIES?
Planning planning and more planning. The problem we have is the number of variables so we will need to be adaptable as well.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR HIGHLIGHT OF THE LIONS TOUR SO FAR?
Meeting the touring fans. They love our country, they love socialising and they have a fantastic sense of humour about them.
YOU’RE GOING TO GET A LOT OF INTERNATIONAL VISITORS THROUGH THE DOORS THIS MONTH, SO WHAT DO YOU DO DIFFERENTLY?
We just need to put our best foot forward to make sure our part of their holiday is enjoyable. We want them to remember Wellington for being Wellington.
WHATWAS THE LAST BOOK YOU READ?
Setting the Table by Danny Meyer, a successful American restauranteur.
WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO?
Whatever the kids make me listen to. I’m easy going when it comes to music and listen to anything. I always laugh when I catch myself singing to Katy Perry or Taylor Swift.
WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE IN NEWZEALAND?
Taemaro Bay in Doubtless Bay. Is where the whanau is from. Why: there’s a spiritual connection that’s hard to explain.
IF YOU COULD TAKE FOUR PEOPLE TO DINNER, WHO WOULD THEY BE?
Richard Branson, Donald Trump, Kim Jong-un and my mum. Would Watch the kids play sport. A nice lunch at Chocolate Fsh, a few hours fishing and then a nice home cooked meal with a great Wellington craft beer and a bottle of pinot.
WHAT IS SOMETHING PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT WHERE YOU GREWUP?
I amfrom Upper Hutt. People from Upper Hutt should not be underestimated!