About
Meet The Team
Scott Keelty- General Manager
Scott looks after the day to day operations for the cafe and functions, as well as looking at new systems and innovations for the future. With almost 20 years in customer service, retail and management roles, there aren't many situations Scott hasn't dealt with.
As an added bonus, Scott is a Registered Marriage Celebrant, so there is always an emergency back-up available for your special day!
Kerri Keelty - Events Manager
Kerri's main role is to create solutions for businesses and individual clients to host the ideal event.
Kerri will take care of all the aspects involved with your booking, and ask the questions you hadn't thought of.
Jenn Kerr - Head Chef
The challenge of running a large kitchen needs a complete team. Our Head Chef provides that essential support to the Executive Chef, running the daily operation of the kitchen, its staff and resources. Our Head Chef is tasked with maintaining The Verandah’s food safety requirements, ensuring all practices, products and environments are to the highest standard
David Mathews - Sous Chef
Our Sous Chef provides support to the Head Chef, taking a major role in the day to day operation of the kitchen, its staff and resources. Our Sous Chef is tasked with supporting the Head Ched to maintain The Verandah’s food safety requirements, ensuring all practices, products and environments are to the highest standard
Samantha Beet -
Sous Chef
A passionate chef, with 7 years experience, our Sammy looks after our day to day catering, cabinet production and helps with logistics of the kitchen. Samantha works with our younger chefs teaching them the ways to becoming a committed attribute to The Verandah.
Victoria Thompson - Food & Beverage Manager
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An experienced team of hospitality professionals, there to see that all events run as planned on the day. The F&B Managers will develop the rapport with you as a client, following through your requests to meet your expectations. Room layouts and setups, client liaison and guest greeting form part of this role.
*Images courtesy of Hamilton City Council
Some History
1965 The old Tea Kiosk at Hamilton Lake Domain
1927 Neck to knee bathing suits were compulsary until December 1938
1959 The old playground
1959 Parking area with Tea Kiosk at left
The Verandah is located within the Hamilton Lake Domain on the shores of Lake Rotoroa (Long Lake) but commonly known as the Hamilton Lake.
Lake Rotoroa is an urban Peat Lake and was formed over 15,000 years ago. The maximum depth is 6 meters with the average depth being 2 metres.
The Hamilton Lake Domain was declared a reserve in 1886. From 1924 the lake was a popular watering hole up until the mid 1960’s when chemicals were added to control the spread of noxious weeds. Families spent Sundays at the lake with picnics, boating carnivals, swimming, a brass band and horse and carriage rides.
There is now a walkway right around the lake which wasn’t developed until 2004 when a group of savvy residents saw an opportunity and petitioned for its completion.
The first kiosk was in operation in 1913 with official tea rooms built in 1954.
The Verandah development commenced in 2008 by local firm Fosters Construction and the doors officially opened on 1st July 2009.