After travelling through Eurasia and Australia, Tim Keates settled in his hometown of Christchurch where he started his career as a kitchen hand. An apprenticeship opportunity through Polytech launched Keates towards his current position.
Keates takes most of his inspiration from his past travels, combining these experiences with the rich and exceptional products available in New Zealand.
“I’d describe my style as simple and straightforward, where I let the products do the ‘talking’.”
At inner city bistro Earl, Keates loves the atmosphere of a full, energetic restaurant.
“It’s a great environment to work in and the fulfilment of seeing customers have a great experience through work that is partially my own is amazing. That I can let my creativity run freely and create things with people I consider some of my closest friends makes it the perfect job for me!”
Keates and his team are all about creating inviting spaces as backdrops to diner’s lives. Earl’s approach is no different, with traditional dishes executed using exceptional ingredients, geared towards great wine and conversation.
Earl has a rolling menu with dishes changing on a regular basis. The volatile supply chain disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic has seen the restaurant adjust to irregular availability. Innovation is a constant as the team explores and discovers new ideas on the daily, working to everyone’s strengths to present top quality food to customers.
It is not only the delays in product availability and staff shortages that have challenged Earl but the impact of the pandemic on customer numbers and the interaction Keates has with them. Going forward, the most important step for him is adjusting to the increasing volumes of people the hospitality industry is expecting as borders reopen.
“It is good to have the tourists back and it will definitely boost the industry. After nearly 3 years without it will be important that we all adjust for the big influx that is coming our way. If the industry manages to do that I believe we’re looking at very prosperous times ahead!”
The married father of two hopes to keep pushing himself and his team to perform on the level they have set for themselves, improving where they can.
“I want to be the teacher they deserve and mentor them the way I was when I just started.”
Keates's approach is to have patience in the learning process. Mastering the basics of the art is essential to using those skills as the foundation for future creation.
“Keep an eye out for the habits of those you look up to and learn from them, their experience will be the foundation for your own. But most importantly stay true to yourself and follow your passion – if you set your heart and mind on it, you can achieve it.”
