Introducing Our New Executive Head Chef

Welcome to Mark MacManus who joins us as Hornby Club’s new Executive Chef. With an extensive and diverse career, we are delighted to have Mark on board as we work towards the launch of our new restaurant at the end of the year and some improvements to our Legends Bar.

Mark’s experience includes seven years at the The Rydges Hotel, where he spent the majority of his time as Executive Chef for the Bloody Mary’s steakhouse. He has also worked at The Richmond Club, The Vic and Whale Steakhouse and fine-dining restaurant Le Bon Bolli.

Mark’s love of steak has been developed during his years working in top steak restaurants in New Zealand and at his home where he experiments with low and slow bbq on the charcoal. His favorite cut of steak is a ribeye due to its perfect balance of fat content.

Mark says he is looking forward to bringing some new additions to the Club’s menu, but he is also a big fan of Club favourites.

“I want to create dishes that are right for the whole family. To create a restaurant that is great for a Sunday night meal with family and friends but that is also the perfect place for a birthday or celebratory meal. I love to make everything from scratch and focus my attention on achieving beautiful flavours,” says Mark.

Committed to quality and high standards, Mark is also dedicated to ensuring that behind the scenes the kitchen is running smoothly and operating as well as it can.

“The Hornby Club looks amazing and the new kitchen facilities are top notch. It really is what the local area needs. I enjoy working in an environment where the Board and managers are focused on giving members the best quality for the best price. It’s really refreshing,” says Mark,

Mark has a wife, Sapphire, and three boys. The young family of five are currently building their first home in Rolleston.