Mchughs of Cheltenham

You can’t really think of McHugh’s as a restaurant. While they are a restaurant, it’s first and foremost an event space which also happens to serve food. The main drawcard is the location, right on stunning Cheltenham beach with a picture-​perfect view across the channel to Rangitoto. My memory of the place was when we did a school leavers’ dinner here a couple of years back, and it was great for the occasion — lots of space, solid buffet food, and great views for the photo-​ops. For the same reason I imagine it’s great for wedding receptions and such like. The food and décor won’t knock your socks off or anything but it’s not really the point — it’s a big space in a gorgeous location perfect for the big occasion.

I attended a fairy tale wedding reception here at McHughs, and I still remember it with awe. The food was good and the location perfect for romantic photos.
The actual interior of McHughs isn’t the grandest on its own, but that’s probably because it’s really a blank canvas waiting to be decorated the way you want it. The staff were attentive, and very generously donated free cameras to each table, so we could take random pictures. The wedding couple could develop the ones they wanted later on. A very nice touch!

McHugh’s is one of those places where location is amazing but not much else is. The restaurant sits right on the water’s edge at Cheltenham beach looking straight out to Rangitoto island, an absolutely stunning view which I’m sure is why many people choose it for wedding receptions or other functions.
They have a daily buffet lunch which is pretty average — nothing standout on the menu and pricing standard for buffet service. The décor leaves a lot to be desired and the service is nothing special. In my opinion this place has a lot of potential but it needs a massive revamp to turn something average into something special.