The word hospitality derives from the Latin hospes, which rather oddly means both host and guest. However, it all makes perfect sense on a visit to Christchurch’s established favourite, Universo, where the relationship of hosts Madlen and Wayne Shaw with their diverse range of guests hits the peak definition of hospitality, being “the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers”.
For mid-winter functions, guests can have exclusive use of the entire venue, with canapés served to 150 or 80-90 people seated.
The café area is available for 30 guests seated, while the bar and restaurant can cater for 70 guests seated, and of course the areas are available for canapé functions.
“We have private events, milestone celebrations and corporate functions booked for winter and spring,” Madlen says. “
And come summer our generous outdoor area comes into its own – weddings for 80-90 seated or 200 people canapé style are a speciality and of course we love to do more intimate gatherings as well.”