Business beat

Frank Nelson

Saku brings Japanese dining to Cloudy Bay
Given Marlborough’s stellar reputation as a gourmet paradise, it’s perhaps no surprise to find exquisite Japanese food is now available at one of the region’s most prestigious wineries.

Bo Jeong and Nari Jahana, who own Sasa, the Japanese restaurant at the Riverside Hotel in Blenheim, have opened Saku, a venue for daily outdoor dining at Cloudy Bay. Dinners are also served Friday and Saturday, or Wednesday to Saturday from January 7.

“Saku adds a thoughtful extension to the Cloudy Bay experience, pairing Japanese-inspired seafood with our wines. Dining outdoors with vibrant, locally sourced dishes and a glass of 2025 sauvignon blanc captures Marlborough at its very best,” says brand experience manager, Stefan Wernli.

In unsuitable weather, Saku has the option of moving to the upstairs dining area at Cloudy Bay overlooking the vineyards.

Optimism Returns as Marlborough Looks to 2026
With 2026 just around the corner, we asked two prominent figures in the Marlborough business community for their thoughts on the year just passed and the new one ahead.

Brian Dawson, manager, Business Trust Marlborough:
Business owners are cautiously optimistic about 2026. “With interest rates having bottomed out it is a clear sign that the Reserve Bank sees the economy growing next year. Activity in many sectors is already showing positive signs with a tough winter having been followed by a much better spring. We expect that trend to continue over summer.”

Kylie Cornelius, executive officer, Marlborough Chamber of Commerce:
“We too are hearing that businesses are heading into the year end with cautious optimism. It’s been a tough stretch for many, with rising costs and global uncertainty still in the mix. Looking ahead, there’s quiet confidence that aquaculture, tourism, and construction will give the region a positive lift next year.”

New bar & eatery for Rai Valley
Dan Adams and Sarah Bouchut, from backgrounds in aircraft engineering and teaching respectively, have opened the Wild Weasel Bar & Restaurant just off State Highway 6 in Rai Valley.

The couple renovated the former Millers Rest where they now offer such food as gourmet burgers, smoked ribs and tacos alongside a range of drinks. They also plan to provide a standards training platform to help staff aiming for careers in the hospitality industry.

Wild Wash Laundromat opens in Springlands
Husband and wife Mike Douglas and Kat Pickford have recently launched the Wild Wash Laudromat on Boyce Street, Springlands, where 10 washers and 16 dryers of various sizes whir away from 5am to 11pm.

The cashless, touch-pad operation has taken over the former premises of the Springlands Veterinary Centre so it seems appropriate that one washer and a dryer are designated for pet or animal-related laundry!

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