Eight Plates: Telling local stories with food

Eight Plates is an iconic location for Nelsonians and visitors to dine and socialise. Right at the top of Trafalgar Street, with stunning views of the Cathedral gardens, the sunny outdoor dining area entices diners to relax after a busy day. 

The building has had many different faces over the years. Formerly legal offices, the building became Cod & Lobster Brasserie and then Mama Cod. Now, with new owner and former bar manager Pete Coates, it’s got a new name and a new flavour. 

“We wanted to simplify the menu so that we can quickly change to suit the seasons. It gives our customers the chance to try new things. Having combinations of plates means diners can mix and match, and share with each other. It’s another point of difference that we offer,” says Pete. 

Along with the name and menu, the building has had a makeover. They have updated the colour scheme to tie in with the natural features, and the bar has been moved to make room for more diners. There’s a beautiful fern-covered outdoor space at the rear of the venue that is absolutely stunning on a sunny day. Upstairs has more intimate dining spaces and private dining rooms that are popular for small group gatherings. 

Moving with the flow is something Pete knows well. As a trained actor with a master’s degree in arts management, he’s had roles on Shortland Street and the Top of the Lake series, and still indulges a love of theatre performance, playing one of the Maungatapu murderers in a local production. 

A group of his fellow actors poured their energy into running a small theatre in Auckland for many years. Hospo is how most actors and musicians pay the bills, so that’s where Pete developed his passion for the industry. 

“Acting is all about telling a story. I have been in arts festival solo shows where I had to play 20 different characters. It’s a huge thing to attempt, and sometimes one must improvise if something doesn’t go according to plan. It’s a bit like this with the hospo industry. We are telling stories with the food and drink offerings from our region. 

“I see my role a bit like a director. I have a great team and I am here to guide them and listen to our customers and make changes as we see fit. We are looking forward to a warm summer. The town will be buzzing and we will be ready to entertain.” 

A version of this story was first shared on the Uniquely Nelson website.