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Tucked away in the heart of Redwoodtown, Haven Café is more than just a place to grab a coffee, it’s a warm, welcoming space where friendships are made, stories are shared, and the food is always crafted with care. At the centre of it all is new owner Karen Ryall, who is already well known by locals because she has worked there for the last eighteen months.

Adrienne Matthews

Karen’s love for food and people began at an early age. Born into a hospitality family with her mother a London Guilds trained chef, her parents ran pubs and hotels from Wellington to the Buller to Greymouth and Canterbury. “When your parents own pubs and hotels, you’re always around the kitchen,” Karen says. “I was the unpaid dishwasher and prep cook. It was where I learned what true hospitality is.”

Although she trained as an agricultural laboratory technician, working in food science and analysis, Karen’s heart always brought her back to hospitality. From working at the renowned gourmet restaurant Captain Jack’s in Ashburton to running pubs in Methven and beyond, Karen gathered not just skills, but stories, culture, and a deep appreciation for the role food plays in people’s lives.

An extraordinary coincidence was her meeting her partner at the same hotel in Temuka as where her parents had first met. Living in Methven later, they went through the Christchurch earthquakes which completely destroyed their home.

Relocating to Blenheim 13 years ago and only planning to stay for a couple of years, life had other plans. “In this community I have come to realise that the people here are the most genuine friends I’ve ever had,” says Karen.

Karen thoroughly enjoyed working at Haven Café under the previous owner, Roxanne Burkhart Phipps. When Roxanne decided to focus on catering and spend more time with her family, Karen had what she describes as a lightbulb moment: “Why can’t it be me?” She already knew the customers, loved the café, and had hospitality in her bones.

Since taking over, Karen is in cafe heaven. “It’s not just about food or coffee. It’s about people choosing to be here. That’s a gift,” she says. “It is a place where everyone is welcome, whether you’re a mum wrangling toddlers, a retiree catching up after tai chi, or someone simply looking for a friendly face and a hot drink”.

Haven Café is known for its generous portions, affordable prices, and freshly made food. “We make almost everything ourselves from club sandwiches and custard squares to hearty all-day breakfasts like the Big Kai,” says Karen. Roxanne who still runs RB Catering, will be continuing to provide some of the cabinet food.

The café’s baked goods are legendary. You have to be quick to get some of the morning batches of cheese scones, date scones, and muffins, always gone by 11am. The café caters to all dietary needs with vegetarian, vegan, keto, and gluten-free options, and they pride themselves on using local ingredients whenever possible.

For Karen, the real magic of Haven Café is its role as a social hub. With a playground nearby, it attracts parents and children, while regulars range from gym-goers to retired locals. “People have made real friendships here. I once sat two people together who were dining alone and now they come in every week as friends.”

Karen is planning to expand the café’s hours to support after-school visits and community events, and there are ideas in the works for developing a dedicated outdoor area for group meet-ups. “Redwoodtown fought to keep this café open, and it means a lot to people here. It’s part of their lives.”

Even after years of working in various roles, has found her true calling in owning Haven Café. “When people walk in, I want them to feel like they belong, whether they’re dressed up or in trackies. It’s warm, its cosy, and it’s real.”

Haven is also the only café in the South Island to serve Espresso Workshop coffee from Auckland, a blend that pleases both strong coffee lovers and those who prefer a milder brew. And best of all? It won’t break the bank. “You can get a coffee and a muffin for $11. It’s important to me that good food should be accessible,” says Karen.

Karen Ryall didn’t set out to own a café but it’s clear she was destined for it. With a deep well of experience, an even deeper well of compassion, and a lifelong love for hospitality, she’s turned Haven Café into exactly what its name promises: a safe, warm, and welcoming space for all.

So, if you’re in Redwoodtown, make time to visit Haven Café. Come for the coffee, stay for the company and don’t forget to grab a scone before they sell out.