About Lambretta's Café Bar in Nelson

Lambretta’s opened its doors at 204 Hardy Street, Nelson on 13th October 1999, originally with four business partners; Rob McKegney, Steve Russell and Rhys and Leanne Odey, all acquaintances and friends, looking to start something new for Nelson. 

When searching for the perfect space for the new café, the old NZI Insurance building lent itself to a art deco theme, a 1950's glass fronted building with impressive 15m pillars a feature. Rob being from the historic Hitching Post Restaurant era (a very popular pizza restaurant in Nelson in the 1980’s) along with Steve, Rhys and Leanne decided to theme their new café around the popular 1960’s Italian scooter, the Lambretta, calling the new café Lambretta’s.  Adorning the walls with actual scooters, posters and paintings and with the help of Jill Alexander, Interior Decorator, a plan was hatched!

Since 2005, Rhys and Leanne have been sole owner operators of Lambretta’s Café Bar, and you will find us working front of house each day.

Busy from the start and so too today... Lambretta’s Café Bar appeals to a wide range of people, its sunny aspect means great alfresco dining all day, with a safe, enclosed area, equipped with toys, for the kids to play out the back. A delicious menu that caters for business people wanting to catch a quick lunch or take food away. Fresh vegetarian salads, homemade cakes, pies and filos. We are fully licensed so you can enjoy a local wine or beer. 

At Lambretta’s Café Bar we have a strong focus on customer satisfaction and strive at being the best we can be. Our mission is to provide great food and excellent service, anticipate customers needs,  “with a smile” to improve the day of everyone that enters Lambretta’s Café. We encourage the staff to get the know the customers remembering their names and coffee type. The “service technicians” staff of approx 15 – 20, are a friendly family-like team, a lot of staff are employed by recommendation of family members or friends. 

Lambretta’s loves to look after the locals and support the Nelson Community by donating to small community events and fundraisers.

Lambretta’s Cafe Bar has seating for around 75 inside, 20 courtyard area and approx 40 outside the front of café, ideal for private functions.