Fidel’s founders honoured for 35 years of hospitality

Tuesday, 21 October 2025

The restaurateurs behind a beloved Wellington institution have been honoured by the capital’s hospitality scene.

Fidel’s Cafe is one of the city’s longest existing eateries, known for its excellent coffee and “signature” Eggs Benedict with homemade hash browns.

Fidel’s Café was founded 35 years ago on Cuba St by Roger Young and Potti Wagstaff. While closed for earthquake strengthening since May, it’s currently operating as a day-time pop-up at their other venue, Havana Bar, on Wigan St.

At this year’s Welly Hospo Awards, Young and Wagstaff were named recipients of the Legacy Award, recognising their longtime contributions to the capital’s hospitality scene.

Young said he was “humbled” by the acknowledgement. Monday’s ceremony had been a great night, he added, and it was fantastic to see people recognised for their hard, dedicated work.

Fidel’s Cafe on Cuba St is closed following earthquake restrengthening, but will remain in its original owners hands for now, Young says. (File photo)

“It was so nice for us, after our service to the Wellington hospitality scene for the last 35 years.”

Previously, Young told The Post that Fidel’s was for sale, after he and Wagstaff realised how stressful it had become to run a large café seven days a week. However, they’ve since decided to retain ownership — for now — and continue operating Fidel’s as a daytime pop-up out of Havana Bar.

“Watch this space.”

The cafe’s Cuba St site had completed its earthquake restrengthening — though a recent overhaul of the New Building Standard revealed the work wasn’t strictly required, as the building was under two storeys.

That was a shame, Young said, as a large number of staff had been laid off due to its closure.

Fidel’s Cafe is operating as a pop-up out of Havana Bar and Restaurant.

He added the pop-up in Havana had been well received by customers. The Wigan St buildings were beautiful during the day, so it was great to see customers enjoy the space outside of Havana’s usual evening hours.

“The feedback has been amazing.”

This was the second year the Welly Hospo Awards were hosted by local hospitality operators. Previously known as the Felix Awards, they were run by the Restaurant Association (RA), which announced last year it would step back from hosting hospitality award ceremonies — a move that received a mixed response from industry insiders.

The winners of the Welly Hospo Awards for 2025, selected after two rounds of voting, are:

Front of house professional: Matthew Buchanan - The Ram

Outstanding chef: Tom Adams - Margot

Outstanding bartender: Roseanna Johnstone - Hanging Ditch

Outstanding barista: Ai Yamaguchi - Orange

Outstanding regional venue: 50-50

Sustainability award: Everybody Eats

Outstanding restaurant: Margot

Outstanding cafe: Swimsuit

Outstanding fish & chips: Wellington Seamarket

Outstanding cocktail bar: Dee's Place

Outstanding wine bar: Puffin

Finest taproom, beer bar or pub: Rogue and Vagabond

Outstanding everyday eats: Fred's Sandwiches

Outstanding catering/events: Acme, Aeropress Champs

Outstanding producer/supplier: Moore Wilson's

Outstanding sales representative: Chris Thompson - Coffee Supreme

Emerging back of house: Zane Gupwell - Graze Wine Bar

Emerging front of Hhouse: Ella Malinda - Puffin

Legacy award: Roger Young and Potti Wagstaff - Fidel’s and Havana