New bistro Odd Saint delivering vibrant experience
The fabulous food, divine drinks and thoughtful service Future Hospitality Group is known for are front and centre at its latest Queenstown venue.
The unusually-named ‘Odd Saint’, in homage to its location alongside St Peter’s Church in the heart of town, arose in a spot that housed a much-loved locals café run by previous owners for 15 years.
Group owners James Ace and Bert Haines always loved the location and were looking for the opportunity to add a daytime venue with a range of diversity and opportunities for staff growth and development to their primarily evening-focused businesses.
The fully renovated premises opened mid-December on Earl Street, in a sunny north-facing spot surrounded by the trees and botanicals gracing adjacent gardens.
Odd Saint embodies a unique spin on standard brunch spots. The eclectic menu delivers ‘global soul food’, inspired by the worldly travels of co-owners Matt and Jamie Tobin.
Brave and cheeky
“We’re long-term locals who love hospo and eat and drink out a lot,” says James. “Queenstown has plenty of great cafés but we felt there was an opportunity to push the boundaries somewhat.
“We decided to be a little bit brave, a little bit cheeky and brought a menu to the table that’s a little bit odd!”
That fun and playful nature translates to dishes such as Clau’s spiced granola, current crowd favourite Duck fried rice, Hoosier chicken or a classic Earl Street ‘fry up’.
Their whimsical drinks list highlights the best of local wines and beers accompanied by delicious international drops and reimagined cocktails. The sunny patio is a crowd favourite for an early morning brew, or an afternoon tipple. Each cocktail is a creative play on Odd Saint’s name and location, inspiring drinks like Bibiana’s cure, the Odd Saint crowd pleasing Bloody Mary, and Rosa’s cup, a perfectly light and refreshing Spritz with a surprising twist of thyme.
A custom bright yellow La Marzocco spins its magic with coffee from Auckland roasters eighthirty and New Zealand-owned Webster’s loose leaf teas are on the menu along with daily baked treats.
Executive chef Matt Tobin’s inspiration comes not only from his travels but his Midwest US background, delivering what he calls a “finer diner” menu with an elevated twist.
Vibrant by design
The fitout designed by Studio Collective creates a light and bright bistro style interior paired with a vibrant and welcoming aesthetic. Lush outdoor garden seating is perfect for long afternoon tipples in the sun, and it’s also fur-baby friendly.
Studio Collective’s creative director Jennifer Warring says the space caters for a quick ‘drop in’ for brunch, a long lunch or trading into the evening, which is the medium-to-long-term plan.
“Odd Saint has a vintage vibe with a mid-century modern allure seen in elements like the burnt red finger tiles forming the curved bar top and frosted, brass globe pendants highlighting the bar and servery,” she says.
Career opportunities
The melting pot of dishes and flavours is only matched by the 15-strong food-centric personalities on staff who delight in delivering friendly and uniquely personalised service.
Co-owner and Executive chef Matt Tobin, whose background includes a French culinary school and previous senior roles in Queenstown, says he’s “fully invested long-term” in the business after initially joining the team as head chef at sister restaurant Margo’s.
“Thanks to James and Bert I was given the opportunity to add value to the business from day one, and to see how the business ran as well as the kitchen.
“Becoming a co-owner of Odd Saint is a lifelong goal achieved and I couldn’t be more excited for the future.”
Staff members Sara (Assistant Manager) and Anton (Head Chef) have been integral to the opening and development of Odd Saint and Matt says they’ve gone “above and beyond” with their passion and team mentoring.
The venue’s open from 8am to 3pm (days and times may vary).
Business growth
Future Hospitality Group is a progressive and innovative business delivering world-class entertainment experiences. Odd Saint was the third venue it opened last year alongside cocktail bar Little Mez and Scandinavian-inspired ice lounge Queenstown Ice Bar.
Last year it won the Excellence in People and Culture award at the 2022 Hospitality NZ Awards and lakeside bar Little Blackwood won New Zealand’s Best Bar. It also operates Minus 5° ICE Bar and Mexican-inspired restaurant Margo’s.
