Divine dining at gin gin

  Six months into their New Regent Street home and gin gin’s offering is more refined than ever, as its understated, approachable, and seasonal menus deliver a complete experience for diners.     Whether it’s long lunching with friends, a cosy date night or a more dressed up affair, gin gin’s relaxed and inviting setting […]

Another level of events: Level One Craft Beer & Coffee Bar

“Level One Events caters to traditionalist couples through to the wild ones who want anything but!” says Wedding Planner Kate Grater. Level One Craft Beer & Coffee Bar launched Level One Events in 2020 so couples can have it all.     The boho beach style is rich décor, dark green foliage, bar leaners, plush […]

Peck of the bunch: Purple Weka Cafe

Wekas are known as cheeky food-stealing birds, but at Purple Weka Café & Bar, the food is the one stealing the show. Teamed with a welcoming atmosphere and impeccable service, this is one local hospitality hotspot worth adding to your 2021 to-do list.     Owner Stewart McDougall says the fare is made on-site with […]

Shout it from the rooftops

Two new rooftop bars have brought interest and entertainment to Christchurch’s cityscape, in perfect time for the summer social season.     Mr Brightside at the restored Public Trust building on Oxford Terrace and The Pink Lady Rooftop Bar at Muse Hotel on Manchester Street have joined the city’s hospitality offerings in recent months. Seven […]

‘tis the season: Fig Restaurant

It’s mid-November and chances are there are some who are yet to organise an end – or start – of year celebration. If you are pondering a location, Ravi Naidu has it fig-ured out. Fig Restaurant at Quality Hotel Elms is a crowd-pleasing silly season locale.   The Papanui modern bistro has just curated a […]

Head to Hanmer

With everything that has unfolded these last few months, it’s time to help greater Canterbury get back on its feet. We’ve all got a part to play and supporting small local businesses is one small way we can do just that. Such businesses can be found in the tourist favourite, Hanmer Springs.     Metropol […]

One of life’s pleasures: Fiddlesticks

If eating is one of life’s pleasures then dining out is a delight and where better to reward yourself for good lockdown behaviour than inviting and stylish Fiddlesticks in the heart of the Arts Precinct? The cosy intimate dining spaces are complemented by the roaring fire in the courtyard outside.   Open from 9am until […]

A café collaboration: Purple Weka Cafe

Friends helping out friends, and businesses building each other up, is what Cantabrians do best. ‘   Café and bar owner Stu McDougall was eternally grateful to have his entrepreneurial buddy, Ben Hogg, weave some infamous Purple Weka magic online during lockdown. He kept loyal customers entertained, as nothing was coming out of the kitchen […]

Ivory Bar

Dining with a difference: Ivory Bar

Step inside Ivory Bar and it’s like stepping back in time, back to the days when art deco was the new chic.     Just 30 minutes from Christchurch, on Ivory Street in Rangiora, the former Northern A & P Society Building, first opened in 1926 and now listed as a heritage building, has recently […]

The Bog

Twentieth birthday bonanza: The Bog

The Bog began its legendary history as the home of the Irish in February 1999 on Cashel Street, where the Guinness flowed and the craic was mighty.     The Bog is known worldwide for the best pint of Guinness in town, traditional Irish music, friendly staff and hearty food.  Not long after its inception, […]