OUR
PEOPLE

CRAIG
MACFARLANE

Founder & Director
West End Hospitality Group

  • Craig Macfarlane, along with his wife Kate, is the visionary behind West End Hospitality Group, a company dedicated to transforming dining out into unforgettable experiences. With a passion for culinary excellence and a keen eye for innovation, Craig has led West End Hospitality Group to become a beacon of exceptional dining in the heart of every city it touches.

    Driven by a lifelong love for hospitality, Craig's journey began with a simple belief: To provide an extraordinary quality food, beverage, and hospitality experience which we as customers would like to receive ourselves. This philosophy has guided his career, from his early days mastering the art of service to his role today as the driving force behind West End Hospitality Group's portfolio.

    Under Craig's leadership, West End Hospitality Group has redefined what it means to dine out. Each establishment within the group bears the hallmark of Craig's commitment to quality, innovation, and a deep understanding of what guests truly desire.

KATE
MACFARLANE

Founder & Creative Director
West End Hospitality Group

  • Kate Macfarlane is the creative drive behind West End Hospitality Group, where she weaves together passion, innovation, and artistry to craft unforgettable dining experiences. As the founder and creative director, Kate's vision has shaped West End Hospitality Group into a dynamic force in the culinary world.

    Under her direction, each venue within West End Hospitality Group is a carefully curated space, blending aesthetics, flavour, and atmosphere into a harmonious whole.

    Kate's culinary palette knows no bounds, drawing inspiration from global cuisines and local flavours alike. Beyond the plate, Kate's creative touch extends to the design and ambiance of each establishment. Every detail, from the lighting to the décor, is meticulously chosen to create an immersive dining environment. Guests stepping into a West End Hospitality Group venue are greeted not just by a meal, but by an experience crafted, specific to that establishment.

ANNALESE
SHARROCK

Managing Director
West End Hospitality Group

  • Annalese brings a unique blend of hospitality expertise and financial acumen to her role as Managing Director of West End Hospitality Group. With a career spanning both the hospitality and accounting worlds, Annalese has become a driving force behind the success and strategic growth of the company.

    With a foundation in accountancy and a passion for hospitality, Annalese's career path has been a fusion of these two worlds. Her journey began in the realm of finance, where she honed her skills in budgeting, financial analysis, and strategic planning. This background provides her with a meticulous attention to detail and a keen understanding of the financial landscape in which West End Hospitality Group operates.

    Despite her financial prowess, Annalese's heart has always been in hospitality. Her love for creating exceptional guest experiences led her to transition into the world of restaurants and hotels. This firsthand experience in the day-to-day operations of hospitality venues gives her a deep understanding of the industry's nuances and challenges.

    As Managing Director of West End Hospitality Group, Annalese combines her financial expertise with her passion for hospitality to steer the company towards continued success. Her strategic vision has been instrumental in guiding the growth and development of the group's portfolio of venues, ensuring each one not only meets financial goals but also exceeds guest expectations.

    With Annalese at the helm, West End Hospitality Group is poised for continued growth and success. Her unique blend of financial expertise, hospitality passion, and strategic leadership ensures that the company remains a leader in the industry, delivering exceptional experiences while driving sustainable financial growth.

GEORGIA
MACFARLANE

General Managers People & Operations
West End Hospitality Group

  • Georgia brings broad experience in hospitality, Human Resources, and a deep commitment to community to her role as Operations Director at West End Hospitality Group.

    Born into a family deeply rooted in hospitality, Georgia's passion for the industry was ignited at a young age. She spent her formative years learning the ins and outs of running restaurants, hotels, and bars, absorbing invaluable lessons about the importance of service, quality, and attention to detail.

    Building on her hospitality foundation, Georgia pursued a career in Human Resources, where she developed a keen understanding of the people-centric side of business operations. Her experience in HR equipped her with the skills to cultivate high-performing teams, nurture talent, and create positive workplace cultures within West End Hospitality Group.

    For Georgia, hospitality extends far beyond the walls of the venue. She is a passionate advocate for community engagement and supports initiatives that make a difference in the lives of others.

    Recognising that the heart of any successful hospitality venture lies in its people, Georgia is dedicated to empowering and inspiring her teams. She fosters an environment where creativity thrives, where employees are encouraged to innovate and deliver exceptional service with genuine warmth and hospitality.

GINA
PATTERSON

General Manager
Snug Lounge, Ms White, Itch Wine Bar, Public Kitchen, Palazzo Cantina

  • Gina is the dynamic Co-Owner and General Manager behind some of West End Hospitality Group's most beloved establishments, including Snug Lounge, Ms White, Itch Wine Bar, Public Kitchen, and Palazzo Cantina. With a passion for creating inviting spaces and memorable experiences, Gina's leadership ensures that each venue operates at its finest.

    With a career spanning over a decade in the hospitality industry, Gina's journey has been one of dedication and creativity. She began her career as a server, working her way up the ranks with an unwavering commitment to excellence in guest service and operational efficiency. Her meticulous attention to detail and focus on creating seamless experiences for guests has earned her a reputation for operational excellence.

    Under Gina's direction, Snug Lounge, Ms White, Itch Wine Bar, Public Kitchen, and Palazzo Cantina are not just venues—they are destinations. Her commitment to innovation, coupled with her deep understanding of guest preferences, ensures that each establishment remains at the forefront of the ever-evolving hospitality landscape. Whether you're savouring a glass of fine wine, enjoying a delectable meal, or simply relaxing with friends, you'll experience hospitality at its finest under Gina's expert guidance.

RACHEL
DEEGAN

General Manager
Frederic's and Monica's Eatery

  • Rachel brings over a decade's worth of hospitality experience, offering a passion for exceptional service to her role as General Manager of Frederic's and Monica's Eatery. With a career dedicated to crafting memorable dining experiences, Rachel ensures that guests at these renowned establishments are treated to nothing but the best.

    Rachel's journey in the hospitality industry began with a love for bringing people together over great food and beverage. As a trained Chef, Co-owner and General Manager, her career has been a testament to her commitment to creating welcoming and vibrant spaces where guests can relax and indulge.

    Rachel's dedication to providing exceptional service is evident in every aspect of Frederic's and Monica's Eatery. From the warm welcome at the door to the seamless flow of operations, she ensures that guests feel not just attended to, but truly cared for.

    Rachel is deeply rooted in the local community, forging strong relationships with local farmers, artisans, and producers. Her commitment to sustainability and supporting local businesses is reflected in the menus at both establishments, where guests can taste the flavours of the region.

    Central to Rachel's management philosophy is the belief that a happy team leads to happy guests. She invests in her staff, providing them with training and opportunities for growth. This dedication to her team results in a cohesive and passionate group of individuals who are committed to delivering memorable experiences.

BLAIR
CLEMENT

General Manager
Social Kitchen

  • Blair brings a wealth of culinary knowledge and a passion for exceptional dining experiences to his role as General Manager of Social Kitchen. With a career rooted in the art of cooking and a keen understanding of restaurant operations, Blair ensures that every visit to Social Kitchen is a memorable culinary journey.

    Blair's journey in the culinary world began in the kitchen, where he honed his skills as a Chef. His creative flair and dedication to sourcing the finest ingredients quickly earned him recognition among food enthusiasts and critics alike.

    As General Manager and Co-Owner of Social Kitchen, Blair's expertise shines through in every aspect of the dining experience. From menu creation to kitchen operations, he brings a meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to culinary excellence that is evident in every dish served. Under Blair's guidance, Social Kitchen's menu is a reflection of his creativity and passion for diverse flavours. Each dish is a carefully crafted masterpiece, blending seasonal ingredients with innovative techniques to create a symphony of tastes that captivate the palate.

    Experience the culinary magic of Blair Clement at Social Kitchen. Whether you're indulging in a sumptuous meal, exploring innovative cocktails, or simply enjoying the inviting ambiance, Blair invites you to savour the flavours and hospitality that define Social Kitchen.

JUSTIN
BIRD

General Manager
Airspresso Group (Dunedin, Queenstown, New Plymouth) & Joe's Garage Fivemile

  • Justin is the leading force behind the Airspresso Group, with locations spanning Dunedin, Queenstown, and New Plymouth, as well as Joe's Garage Fivemile. With a career dedicated to hospitality excellence and a passion for creating memorable dining experiences, Justin leads his team with enthusiasm and expertise.

    With over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, Justin has earned a reputation as a visionary leader. His journey began with a deep appreciation for the art of hospitality, and his dedication to delivering exceptional service has been the cornerstone of his success.

    As General Manager and Co-Owner of the Airspresso Group, Justin oversees multiple locations across New Zealand's South Island, each offering its own unique atmosphere and culinary delights. Justin is a firm believer in the power of innovation to drive success in the hospitality industry. From innovative menu offerings to cutting-edge technology solutions, Justin is always one step ahead of the curve.