“Sisu is a little eatery which is a combination of what we love, good food, wine, and beer. ”
Our focus is on sharing food, good times, and stories in a laid-back environment. We will use as much of New Zealand and Marlborough produce as possible but bring a Nordic twist to it. Food is small plates made to share. Our wine list is focused on smaller New Zealand producers, and we hope to bring in some exciting new wines for you to try. We have also paired up with Boneface brewery for your craft beer needs and have a ever growing Gin selection.
SISU
A Finnish concept described as stoic determination, tenacity of purpose, bravery, resilience, and hardiness. It is held by Finns themselves to express their national character.
Stefan who is the better half of the Sisu’s dynamic duo would not disagree.
The other half is me, Inkeri. I have over 10 years of experience as a Chef. I started my culinary career in Finland in 2011 where I first trained to be a chef. Using these talents I travelled to Norway and then further on to New Zealand, eventually settling in the Marlborough Region where I met Stefan 2016.
Stefan has been working in the wine industry and hospitality for over 10 years. Initially, he travelled to New Zealand as a backpacker in 2008 and worked wine industry jobs. This inspired him to return to Germany and study wine. After studying he travelled the world to do harvests and work front of house in a variety of venues in Canada, Australia and then eventually back in New Zealand.
Ever since we met here in Marlborough, we've had "discussions" about what kind of hospitality place we would like and how we would run it. Sisu is one of those hypothetical arguments turned into a reality.
Our description of Sisu is extraordinary determination and courage in the face of extreme adversity; or like Stefan says: "persistently stubborn against all odds".
We are going against all odds to open a new place with all the difficulties hospitality is facing at the moment, so the name is very fitting. Originally, we thought about it years ago. I was telling Stefan about the meaning of Sisu when a photo popped up of Finnish people sitting out on the restaurant terrace drinking beer in the rain. It was taken on a summer day, which means you had to sit outside.
That's basically Sisu in action.