| 1900s |
Cecil Harrow (Pat’s Grandfather) begins farming raspberries at a Middleton Road property in Riccarton.
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1925
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Cecil establishes a new berry farm on Withells Road, Avonhead, supplying raspberries to local markets and for jam making. |
1940s
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Following service during the Second World War, Cecil’s five sons, including Pat’s father Charles, begin farming 100 acres of Raspberries in Avonhead.
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1962
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Pat attends tertiary studies in horticulture at Lincoln University. |
| 1964 |
Following graduation, Pat travels to Europe, working in London for a citrus fruit company called ‘Outspan’. |
1965
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Shortly after returning to New Zealand, Pat meets Diana Anderson. The following year they are married. |
| 1960s |
Urban development in the Avonhead area saw the end of berry farming at the Withells Road property. |
| 1968 |
Pat and Diana Harrow establish Bluegum Berry Farm in Harewood. |
| 1978 |
The Gardiners Road property is purchased and Berryfields was born. The new farm is prized for its rich soils, producing delicious sweet berries. |
1980s
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The Berryfields name becomes synonymous with good quality and flavoursome berries amongst its Christchurch customers. Pat, Diana and their four children Stephen, Andrea, Nicholas and Oliver are all involved in operations at the farm, which begins exporting Strawberries and Raspberries to the United States, Australia, Europe and the Middle East. |
1990
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The popularity of the small berry shop and increasing requests by customers to enjoy a cup of tea while visiting the farm led to a new venture for Pat, Diana and their daughter Andrea. At the end of 1990, concept plans for an onsite café named Sweethearts had been developed. The name was chosen by Diana after she reminisced over a early family photo of her Grandmother, father and uncle. The photo was taken by Diana’s Grandfather and on the back was written “ My three sweethearts”. |
1991
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In November Sweethearts opens for business providing morning & afternoon teas, light lunches and delicious desserts. The inspiration for the menu was berries and French provincial food. One of Sweethearts’ signature offerings is the Victorian High Tea. This 3 tiered cake stand of tea sandwiches and dainty cakes was born out of Diana Harrow’s childhood memories of visits to the ‘Beaths Department Store’ in Colombo Street where her grandmother would treat her to a high tea in the school holidays. |
| 1992 |
Although already open for 3 months, Sweethearts is officially opened on Valentines Day by mayor Vicki Buck. Sweethearts became an instant success and revived the popular tradition of ‘taking tea’. |
1993
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Due to the popularity of the cafe it soon became evident that an expansion was necessary. The kitchen is extended and the Edwardian style conservatory is added. |
1994
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Sweethearts becomes a popular venue for Weddings. |
1998
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Sweethearts wins ‘Best Café’ in the Corban’s Wine and Food Challenge. |
| 2005 |
Sweethearts Victorian High Tea recognised as a ‘must do’ experience in Christchurch. |
| 2009 |
New website launched to coincide with the ‘Favourite Things’ campaign and a new look to the Sweethearts menu. |
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