“One of my absolute joys has been creating everything — even breads and relishes — from scratch, in our own kitchen. We put a lot of thought into how the kitchen was going to work, and Neil from BCE had some really good ideas.”
— Sarah Searancke, Culinary Director, Zephyr Café

Wellington may be one of the world’s windiest cities, but inside the Takina Convention Centre, the breeze turns into something far more inviting.

Zephyr Café and Bar, which opened in June 2023, offers a welcoming refuge for locals, conference visitors, and food lovers alike. From the moment guests step inside, it delivers a sense of calm and attention to detail. Every element—from décor and layout to the breads that are made from scratch, relishes, and seasonal menu items—is curated to ensure a memorable experience.

Founded by hospitality veterans Sarah and Nigel Searancke and Anthony John, Zephyr blends the team’s catering expertise with the freedom to craft every detail. “We put a lot of thought into everything, because we want to give our clients the most memorable cafe experience that they could have.” says Sarah.

The café seats 120 inside, with an additional 30 outdoors, and serves both à la carte and counter-style options. All savory dishes are prepared in the open-concept kitchen, while sweet and baked products are made in a dedicated catering kitchen, ensuring consistency and quality across every offering.

In The Kitchen

At Zephyr, the kitchen isn’t just functional—it’s a reflection of Chef Sarah’s vision. She took the lead in designing the space with the help of Neil Thomson from BCE (their Moffat dealer), ensuring every detail supported her workflow and passion for cooking. The kitchen is fitted with Moffat commercial equipment, including a combi from our Turbofan EC40 combi oven range, Waldorf cooking range and a Merrychef high-speed oven, supports both everyday café service and large-scale catering events hosted on the Takina Centre’s ground floor.

“I was always dead set on my kitchen lineup, but we put a lot of thought into how the kitchen was going to work,” Sarah shares. “I’ve always had Waldorf and I love it; it’s been good for me over the years.”

Whether you’re seeking a casual lunch, coffee break, or a beautifully executed event, Zephyr Café Wellington exemplifies the perfect combination of comfort, quality, and innovation in café dining. To find out how Moffat equipment can help you create your own standout café experience, contact us or your local Moffat dealer today.