29/10/2026
Today marks a huge change for The Top Pub family as Michael starts a very exciting new chapter.
After 10 years of running our kitchen at the Greytown Hotel and 1860 Restaurant, Michael is moving on to his biggest challenge yet, becoming a Dad.
Unfortunately for us, this means a move to Wellington, but when it’s for something as exciting as this, how could we possibly be anything but thrilled for him and his partner Johana.
I have no doubt Michael is going to be a fabulous Dad. He has been a fantastic chef, a great colleague and, most importantly, an honest, kind and very good friend.
I can also claim that his first child was actually 1860 Restaurant! 😂 He gave so much to it, from the rebranding, to putting his heart into creating menus, to constantly wanting to make it better. And even now, he didn’t want to move on until he knew he was leaving it in safe hands. (But that’s tomorrow’s news!)
Michael has also watched our children grow up, creating memories with them along the way. They’re grateful for all the wonderful food he introduced them to—although perhaps even more grateful that he cooked it, not me! 😂
We’ve been through a lot together over the last 10 years. COVID, working through visa changes from a working holiday visa to a work visa and eventually permanent residency, countless busy nights, stressful days, plenty of laughs and probably more than a few moments where we all wondered what on earth, we were doing!
Somewhere along the way Michael became part of the family, and we feel incredibly lucky that he walked through the doors of the Greytown Hotel all those years ago.
We are going to miss having him around , the kitchen won’t quite be the same, and neither will the pub, but we are so happy for him and Johana and everything that lies ahead for them.
Michael, we will miss you more than you probably realise. Thank you for 10 years of hard work, laughs, great food, friendship and for becoming such an important part of our family.
We’ll miss you, but we couldn’t be happier for you, we look forward to meeting your little one in January.
Love from - The Murphy's and the Top Pub team
