Following a string of proposals, one table at the Harbour Light Bistro is being labelled as the ‘unofficial most romantic spot’ in the Nelson region.
Harbour Light Bistro is situated on Wakefield Quay, with its most popular table for two looking out to the picturesque view of the Boulder Bank, Haulashore Island and the Port Hills.
There have been three proposals at the table over the course of the past 18 months but the romantic history dates much further back. Owner and chef Steve Coyne continues to answer bookings from couples who are seeking a walk down memory lane, sitting at the table they got engaged at many years ago.
Those date back to when the restaurant first opened in 1996, after the building was damaged in a house fire.
“We’ve had people who have had their tenth wedding anniversary. I don’t ask them too much about specifics because I’m not nosy, but quite a few people have mentioned that’s where they got engaged,” says Steve.
Harbour Light Bistro staff assisted in two of the proposals with the wedding ring being hidden on the dessert plate.
Because Steve is busy in the kitchen, he has not witnessed any of the proposals first hand but says the mood amongst restaurant goers and staff is positive. “People who are working come down beaming and everybody is smiling. I don’t think it’s got to the point where they’ve got a standing ovation but I think a lot of people are aware that it has happened.”
The “overall package” offered by the Harbour Light Bistro attributes to it being the most romantic spot.
“We’re really lucky in Nelson with the quality of restaurants here.”
