Magpies Nest Restaurant
From standing on a milk crate to help prepare food as a youngster, to standing on her own two feet leading a team of professionals at one of Wagga Wagga's, and the region's, best loved restaurants. Hayley from the Magpies Nest Restaurant shares their 'grassroots' story below and how they love to champion local produce.
Q. How did your grassroots story start?
A. I am fortunate to have been born into the restaurant industry. From standing on milk crates in the kitchen peeling potatoes when I was a kid, it was clear from an early age that my future was in the food industry. After traveling in my early twenties, I was keen to come back and make Wagga Wagga my home, to take the reins at Magpies Nest and sink my teeth back into the industry I love. Although I no longer require a milk crate, food, especially our locally sourced ingredients and how we can work with them, is at the forefront of conversation almost daily.
Q. How would you define your business/service as local?
A. It’s no secret that we love all things local at Magpies Nest. We love to champion our local suppliers, our beautiful Riverina Lamb from Wagga Meat Supply, produce from our friends at Wagga Fruit Supply, Cheeses from the crew at Coolamon Cheese - the list goes on. Wherever possible we try and squeeze as much local onto the plate as we can including our own wine, vegetables and herbs, olive oil and olives from our 20-acre property.
Q. How have you pivoted during this time of Covid-19? And, have you experienced an increase in ‘shopping local?’
A. We made the decision to take some time to work on the agricultural side of Magpies Nest during the Covid shutdown period for restaurants. Since announcing our reopening, we have received so much love from the local community, ready to come dine with us again. It has been wonderful to finally get back to work and see regular faces out to support us once again.
Q. Why is it important for consumers to shop/root for local?
A. Our region has so many great producers, growers and creatives that need the regular support from the community to champion our region and all it has to offer, especially at this time. The supermarkets and chain stores will be okay, it’s the local fruit and vegetable producers, butcher or craftsman that need the support more than ever to make it through this difficult time. This is important so that as travel continues to open back up and people start visiting our region, we have unique small businesses for our visitors to explore.
Q. What’s next for your business/service?
A. the last couple of months were full of cook books, research and experimenting for us. We cannot wait for spring and the warmer weather and to release our new menu featuring some great new dishes we have been working on during this time.
Head to the Magpies Nest Restaurant listing for more on this great business.
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