The social platter co.

01/11/2024

We’re spooky and we’re kooky! Had some fun with all the usual antics this week, packed to the rafters with corporates and private events and lots of morning teas, lunches and dinners! Not to mention feeding the wonderful passengers on the greatjourneysnz South Island Kiwirail Tranz Alpine and Costal Pacific trips every day. We forget to take snaps sometimes but here’s some mighty scary cupcakes for a corporate this week (Boooo) if you’re in need of any catering reach out especially as we approach the silly season. Available dates are listed in the website. www.thesocialplatterco.co.nz

❤️

18/10/2024

If you’re looking for something to do head out to Leeston for the first of the season show with the Ellesmere A&P Show kicking off in fantastic conditions. The crew are there as well as at the eatery on the Main Street - go check them out and have some coffee some delicious treats and check out the rural best

16/10/2024

so many wonderful events this week including this community volunteer annual event we colab with to celebrate the unsung heroes in the community. Congratulations to all three amazing humans and organisations. We've been celebrating ball season, weddings, birthdays, send offs, corporate financial results, staff updates, meetings, celebrations and everything in between, Oh and dont forget the amazing WOW train trip event to Wellington and the daily trips to Greymouth and Picton on the Coastal Pacific and the Tranz Alpine. Whatever you need, wherever you are, were here for you. Sharing our love of food and all things social and dont forget a lot of our amazing house made treats are available at our Cafes across Canterbury Urban Eatery Cashmere Moorhouse Ave Suburban Eatery Leeston and at the Devine Rolleston Library Urban Espresso Te Ara Atea

27/09/2024

Press Release: Great Partnerships create even “Greater Journeys”:
September 2024 –

Manu and Paul owners and creatives behind Country Lane Group, one of Canterbury’s leading cafe and catering (the Social Platter Co) operators are thrilled to announce their partnership with Kiwi Rail and Great Journeys to provide the on train food for cafe passengers and a degustation menu for first class carriages “Scenic Plus” on the Tranz Alpine and Costal Pacific railway trips commencing this September.

The foodies who set out to create spaces that everyone could enjoy and represent food in a way that enhanced peoples meetings, weddings, functions and any occasion be at it their own place or anywhere, today were eager to reflect on their 10 year journey in Hospitality creating experiences and food which drew them to partner with such an iconic kiwi, and more importantly South Island, global renowned tourism operation.

Founded out of a passion for food and for experiences the duo lead an impressive operation that operates some of Canterbury’s leading cafes, through their brands Suburban Eatery, Urban Eatery and Urban Espressos across Canterbury and Selwyn, and their iconic catering offering, The Social Platter Co. Their food is made by their talented Chef team and they tend to hundreds of corporate clients, wedding couples and special events. They are clear that this does not happen without their team. The team, which started as one, when Manu decided he was to follow a passion and lead the trend in catering and platter offerings in New Zealand which at that stage was taking the world by storm but hadn’t really arrived in New Zealand. Quickly followed by Paul joining the team full time and today sees the team grow to over 70 staff, with 4 cafe operations, a new commercial kitchen operation in Christchurch central, including 5 additional staff to support this venture and grow the home meal and contract offerings, the pair are clear to point our that they will still continue to provide our significant corporate clients and regular repeat private clients and cafe businesses as they grow and continue to enhance these.

“Our business has not been immune to the immense pressures that the hospitality sector has been facing” both add, “we have been focused on diversifying our business right through the pandemic, and the recessionary pressures are all very real” We feel the weight of providing a service that supports that many families and brings spend into our communities so we need to keep working hard to ensure that we can continue to provide a viable business.

Manu adds that the partnership between the Group and Kiwi Rail, will bring together the best of New Zealand’s food and beverage operators with the breathtaking landscapes and world-renowned railway journeys.
The Tranz Alpine journey takes travellers on a scenic experience across the Southern Alps, from Christchurch to Greymouth, showcasing stunning views of mountains, rivers, and forests. The Coastal Pacific trip travels along the rugged coastline of the South Island, from Christchurch to Picton, passing through charming towns and endless ocean views.

With Country Lane Group, passengers can now enjoy delicious locally-sourced and crafted food and drinks while taking in the picturesque surroundings.
“We are so excited to be a part of this collaboration with Kiwi Rail and Great Journeys,” said Manu. “As lovers of New Zealand’s stunning landscapes and passionate foodies, we could not be more thrilled to bring our expertise and flavors to enhance the already incredible Tranz Alpine and Coastal Pacific experiences.” Added Paul

Our group, cafes and catering brands are renowned for our fresh and creative menus, featuring locally-sourced and high-quality ingredients. From mouth-watering platters to delicious sandwiches and salads, and ready to eat meals our in-house made slices, sought after across the district can now be experienced by passengers who can indulge in a range of options to suit their taste and dietary preferences.

“We are confident that our expertise and passion for New Zealand’s food scene will elevate the journeys even further and provide passengers with an unforgettable experience.” Manu said.

The new food services will be available for passengers on the Tranz Alpine and Coastal Pacific journeys starting Thursday 19th September. To learn more about Country Lane Group their journey and their cafe spaces and catering please visit their websites at www.countrylanegroup.co.nz

For more information on the Tranz Alpine and Coastal Pacific journeys, visit the Kiwi Rail and Great Journeys websites
https://www.greatjourneysnz.com

27/09/2024

It's been all go around here lately! The team have been pumping out platters, morning teas, lunches, work shouts.. the list goes on and on! Make sure to get your orders in for any Christmas (🫣) shouts or work do's - spaces are filling up quick ❤️

04/09/2024

Finger foods and canapés galore! Tartlets, fritters, potato rosti's.. whatever your heart desires 💛 You can either order online (link in bio) or send us an email to see our full finger food and canapé menu.

02/09/2024

🥹 I’m not emotional your emotional - we don’t just do it for food - we do it for love and a genuine connection. We make your day planning, effortless and memorable. And we especially love a beautiful hand written thank you. Our team are dedicated to your events be it at work, at home, your weddings, births, birthdays, engagements , just because, corporate meetings, conferences, workshops. You name it we help you achieve it! Also pop by any of our eateries some of Christchurch’s bests to try some of our in house made sweet and savoury treats urbanespressochch Moorhouse Avenue,
Espresso - Te Ara Ātea Rolleston as well as brunch Wednesday to Sunday at Urban Eatery Cashmere and Suburban Eatery PLUS dinner and takeaways from Suburban Eatery Wednesday to Saturday 5pm - lessss gooooo!

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29/08/2024

I don't want to say it.. but.. Christmas is just around the corner 🫣 Need catering for your work do or family function? We have you covered! Check out our stories for more details. Dates are filling up quick so get in touch to secure yours 🎄

27/08/2024

Where to start... 😍

18/08/2024

The best way to end the night.. cheesecake & ice cream 😍

15/08/2024

These focaccias were a huge hit earlier in the week! Hummus, roast pepper & smoked cheese or ham off the bone with seeded mustard. YUM 🤤

12/08/2024

Another day, another platter 😘

04/08/2024

An absolute fan fav.. smoked salmon mousse with crispy caper blinis 😍

01/08/2024

More than just platters! Soooo many sweet treats to choose from too.. this snap is a dessert buffet from a very special wedding 💛

25/07/2024

Our Chow Platter is full of delicious cheeses, meats, spreads and dips, antipasto items and lots of other goodies.. housemade crackers, breads, seasonal fruits and salted caramel truffles! 💛💛💛 Order yours today - link in bio

29/06/2024

Family coming to visit? Book club? Birthday? Hens party? Baby shower? The girls coming over for a vino? Any excuse to order one of our platters 😍😍😍
Link in bio

25/06/2024

Love ❤️

Sarah and John tied the knot at Waipuna Estate in classic kiwi style. The guests were relaxed, the view was expansive and the food was delicious! I loved how Sarah and John kept the focus of their wedding on the most important things - their love and commitment to one another and their love for

24/06/2024

Periperi Chicken Roll 😍🤤 Mix and match with a couple other savoury items and a sweet treat for the perfect lunch! Order online (link in bio) or email us at [email protected]