Nelson-based, hospitality expert, Carol Shirley leads the team at Beachside Nelson Conference and Events Centre. Carol has decades of catering experience and has been at the forefront of the Nelson catering and hospitality industry since 2003. So, you can rest assured that your event will be fabulously planned and always remembered.
MORE ABOUT CAROL SHIRLEY
Carol, has spent almost three decades in the hospitality industry. She has been at the forefront of Nelson wedding and event catering for the past fifteen years.
Gourmet Catering began in April 2003. Six years later it found a home at iconic Nelson venue, The Grape Escape, which Carol part-owned. Carol sold her share of The Grape Escape in 2012 but never lost her passion for food and catering. She continues to delight private and corporate clients with innovative cuisine at affordable prices.
In short, Carol is known for delivering outstanding customer service; she plans events to perfection.
Call Carol on 027 667 2837
Corina McKay
Head Chef
Corina has a passion for creating innovative food that will delight your guests and delegates.
One thing is for sure… Corina knows her way around a kitchen, having been working in hospitality for almost two decades! She has held senior and head chef positions in both Christchurch and Nelson prior to joining us.
As our head chef, Corina is in overall charge of the kitchen but more importantly, she designs innovative menus that will delight your guests and delegates. You might not see much of Corina when you book an event with us, because she’ll be beavering away in the background, but we have no doubt that her delicious creations will leave a lasting impression on you and your guests.
When she’s not cooking for you, Corina spends her time with her three children, who keep her very busy indeed.
Francine Miller
Front of House Manager
Francine will ensure your event is executed perfectly and your guests or delegates remember your event for all the right reasons!
Francine came to us from a background in hospitality. She had been managing a small café for five years, so we knew she had the customer service skills that would make her indispensable to our team.
As our Front of House Manager, Francine will ensure your event is executed perfectly. She’s in charge of room set-up, managing the front of house team on the day, and ensuring your guests or delegates are well looked after, so they leave your event with happy memories. Francine loves seeing a function come together, you’ll find she’s a joy to work with. She’s organised, efficient and nothing is too much trouble.
Francine has lived in Nelson her whole life. So, if your delegates are coming from out of town, she has all the information you need to ensure they have a stellar time. When she’s not delighting our clients with perfectly hosted functions, you’ll find her gardening, walking, or spending time with family.
Ellie Cooper
Function Manager
Ellie joined us in February 2023. We feel fortunate that she brings with her a wealth of experience from previous jobs, so we know she’ll help your functions run smoothly.
Ellie is a superstar at ensuring the front-of-house runs seamlessly at all conferences and events. An avid list maker, Ellie leaves no detail to chance! She is, in short, a customer-focused organiser, and in her own words… “Number one taste-tester!”
Our clients love Ellie’s cheerful disposition, and so do we!
When she’s not organising your event, you’ll find Ellie enjoying time with her friends and her dogs or getting away from it all in the Marlborough Sounds; she does love a spot of fishing!
Who we welcome to Beachside Nelson:
Since Beachside Nelson opened two years ago we have welcomed many guests through the doors. The fabulous location has made it the perfect venue for private parties and celebrations and corporate events. Many local and visiting businesses use the function rooms. We’re proud that one of our great supporters is the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce. Recently, the Chamber hosted a lunch at the Trafalgar Centre for The Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern, Christopher Luxon (CEO Air NZ) and 250 Chamber members. Beachside Nelson was delighted to supply the catering for this event.