Helen Turnbull is the force behind 50–50, the award-winning Paraparaumu Beach restaurant recently crowned Outstanding Regional Venue at the Wellington Hospitality Awards.

In this episode, Helen shares her journey from running a gastro pub in Devon, to cooking in Japan, and eventually landing in Queenstown where she worked under Josh Emett at Rātā. It was there her talent and drive really began to shine.

After building a loyal following in Queenstown, Helen moved north to the Kāpiti Coast, where she’s redefined regional dining with a menu that’s proudly local, deeply seasonal, and designed to surprise. She’s known for her ability to celebrate New Zealand ingredients while challenging expectations—think pāua char siu buns, reimagined hokey pokey, or her iconic 9-course degustation that evolves with every visit.

This is a conversation about self-belief, the pace of fine dining, and what it takes to stand out without being flashy.

Presented by ⁠Hospitality New Zealand⁠ — the national voice of Aotearoa’s hospo and accommodation sectors, supporting operators with tools, training, and advocacy.

Founding sponsor: ⁠Upstock⁠ — the all-in-one order management platform for hospo businesses. Get your first month free by signing up with the code BACONBUTTY.

Special thanks to our bacon producer:

Woodys Free Range – Get 15% off at ⁠woodysfarm.co.nz⁠ with the code BACONBUTTY

Learn more about Helen Turnbull and 50-50: ⁠https://www.50-50.nz

Photos of the Bacon Butty and more at: ⁠ripplmedia.co.nz