Spruce Goose presents Past to Present

Overview

The original Spruce Goose was a prototype heavy transport aircraft crafted up by the Hughes Aircraft Company in 1947 and more formally known as the Hughes H-4 Hercules. Sounds fancy, but it was essentially a flying boat. The ship was intended to be used as a transatlantic transport method during World War II, but was not completed in time, with the aircraft only making one brief flight in its lifetime, on November 2, 1947. It was built from wood due to wartime restrictions on aluminium, hence the nickname “Spruce Goose”, despite the little known fact that the wood used was largely birch, not spruce.

History lesson over, Wellington’s Spruce Goose building pays homage to the risky boat-come-plane endeavour. The motto is one of spirit, possibility, optimism, innovation and new ideas. Water views and plane spotting are top of the menu at the restaurant, and the team are excited to share their efforts with diners at Wellington on a Plate.

Their contribution to the festival takes diners back in time to the 40’s, to the time when Spruce Goose was an exciting possibility, and a promising invention. Recreating a wartime classic environment, guests are encouraged to come dressed in 40’s attire to compliment the room’s kit out and enjoy a night of forties fun. With a 1940’s inspired cocktail on arrival alongside a selection of canapés, followed by a three course meal matched with local wines, Spruce Goose round two may be another one hit wonder, but it’ll be a hell of a hit.