Your Hosts

Your hosts, Tavis Small and Jennifer Gilbertson-Small have a passion for hospitality that extends throughout both of their careers.

Tavis and Jennifer both have Bachelor degrees in Hospitality Management and have worked in the hospitality industry and related fields in London and Wellington. Both Wanganui born and bred, they returned home in 2005 to open Espresso Garden Café at Gilbertson Mitre 10 MEGA which they owned for five years, before looking around for a bigger challenge.

In 2010, their friends and previous Rutland Arms owners, Mike Hos & Brigid Crowley convinced them that the Rutland already had a winning formula – perfect for Tavis and Jennifer to put their own spin on.  And, it suited the couple who wanted their three young boys to be involved in the business.  Their youngest son loves showing hotel guests to their rooms, wrangling the coffee machine, or washing dishes, while the oldest two are content with being the chief taste testers in the restaurant!

Any down-time the couple get, they like to spend at their family holiday home in the Marlborough Sounds. Tavis is forever chasing elusive big fish or stags, and loves riding motorbikes with his boys. While Jenn loves home improvements, and is forever chasing a little bit of peace and quiet!

“We welcome you to the Rutland Arms and hope you enjoy every moment you spend with us. If there is anything you need during your stay to make it more comfortable or enjoyable, please come and ask.”