Lemon Pie redefines celebration dining.
From a beautifully restored 1969 caravan, Lemon Pie delivers playful, seasonal food and crafted cocktails that capture the spirit of Otago. With menus shaped around each couple’s vision, every detail feels generous, stylish and memorable.
Lemon Pie is as much a visual treat as it is a culinary one. How do you translate the charm of a beautifully restored 1969 caravan into a menu and service style that feels equally unforgettable?
The caravan sets the tone straight away — it’s playful, it’s nostalgic, it makes people smile. I want the food to carry that same feeling. Bright, fresh, generous dishes that are a little unexpected but always welcoming. It’s about creating moments that stick in people’s memories.
From delicately crafted canapés to indulgent family-style feasts, you offer an impressive range of dining experiences. How do you work with couples to match the food and drink to the atmosphere they want to create?
I always start by asking how they want the day to feel. Relaxed and abundant? Elegant and refined? Or somewhere in between? Once we’ve got the vibe, the menu flows from there. Food and drink set the rhythm of a celebration, so we shape it to bring that atmosphere to life.
What is your process for selecting ingredients that are both seasonal and sustainable while still delivering that wow factor?
I lean into what’s best right now. Otago has such a variety — from growers to producers to incredible meats and fruit. When something is in season, you don’t need to do much to make it shine. Sustainability for me is about working with what’s local, reducing waste, and letting ingredients speak for themselves.
You are an award-winning mobile bar as well as a catering service. What makes your cocktails stand out, and how do you craft drinks that are every bit as memorable as the food?
We treat cocktails with the same care as the menu. House-made syrups, seasonal fruits, herbs from the garden — every drink has its own story. It’s not just a gin and tonic; it’s something that feels crafted for the occasion. Winning the award this year was a proud moment, because it recognised the drinks as a real part of the experience.
If Lemon Pie were to collaborate with an artist, designer or fashion house for a menu, who would it be and what might that creative fusion look like?
Karen Walker. She’s playful, bold, colourful — and a little cheeky. Just like us. A menu together would be vibrant and surprising, with flavour pairings that feel fresh and fun but still stylish.
Budgeting for food and drink can be daunting for couples. What advice do you have for setting realistic expectations and ensuring guests feel spoiled without compromising the vision?
Start with the guest list and your non-negotiables. Do you picture a plated dinner with all the trimmings, or a relaxed grazing style with cocktails flowing? Once you’re clear on that, it’s easier to shape the budget. Spoiling guests isn’t about excess — it’s about timing, thought, and making sure every plate and glass feels intentional.
You design celebrations that are playful, personalised and never cookie-cutter. What are some of the most unexpected or delightfully offbeat requests you have brought to life?
We’ve done midnight toasties, cocktails based on family pets, dessert tables inspired by travel — and that’s just a few. The best part is when couples bring their personality into the details. Guests love it because it feels like a celebration that could only belong to them.
Outside of the kitchen and the bar, what inspires you right now?
Honestly? Otago itself. The seasons, the produce, the wine — it’s endless inspiration. I love taste-testing new flavours, trying local wines, and finding ways to bring those ideas back into what we serve. And music is always in the background — usually a mix of country tunes that keep the energy up while I work.
Lemon Pie has grown a reputation across Otago for food that feels both stylish and deeply personal. What drives you in this work?
At the heart of it, I just love feeding people. I grew up where food was about connection, and that’s still true today. To create food and drink that become part of someone’s biggest day — that’s a privilege, and I never take it lightly.
Learn more by visiting lemonpiecaravan.com and @lemonpiecaravan. Explore Lemon Pie Event Caravan on the Together Journal Online Directory.
Lemon Pie Event Caravan
