At the heart of Brac & Bow are its founders, Theo Wijnsma and John Richards. A creative at heart, Theo brings his passion for design, atmosphere and theatrical flair, shaped by his background as a set designer. John balances this creativity with his extensive hotel and hospitality experience, bringing the operational knowledge and practical thinking that turn ideas into reality.

Together, they combine creativity and commercial know-how to create distinctive hospitality experiences, from the much-loved Brac & Bow to their newest venture, The Duke Bar & Restaurant.

Named after their beloved dogs, Bracken and Bowie, Brac & Bow has always been about great food, memorable experiences and a little creative magic. Their four-legged companions remain close to the action, with their newest addition, Duke, taking centre stage at their latest venture.

Alongside The Duke, Mother Goose Bar & Kitchen offers a more relaxed, garden-inspired setting, bringing casual dining and a welcoming place to gather to the South Wairarapa community.

Client Reviews

We had Brac & Bow cater our wedding and the food and service were absolutely amazing. The staff were excellent and friendly and went above and beyond.

— 2027 Bride

We booked Brac and Bow for a birthday lunch with extended family, including young children. The restaurant is beautifully decorated, creating a lovely ambience. The staff on duty were exceptionally kind and highly professional throughout our visit.

— Former Customer

For our wedding day, the catering was truly outstanding. We chose the family-style meal service, which created such a warm and relaxed atmosphere for our guests, and the portions were incredibly generous. The food was absolutely delicious, beautifully presented, and there was more than enough for everyone to enjoy. We received endless compliments throughout the night about how amazing the meal was.

2026 Bride