Purple Weka Cafe

Kiwi as: funky little haven of good old fashioned Kiwi hospitality at the Purple Weka Cafe

It’s definitely ‘Kiwi as’, from its traditional ma’s savoury mince dish to the rustic recycled fence planking around its servery counter. And of course there is the name and its association with a cheeky Kiwi flightless bird, the weka – though you may not find any purple ones in the wild. Being Kiwi is the […]

Southern Clinical Trials Group

Advancing medical knowledge: Southern Clinical Trials Group

With a strong interest in bringing new therapies to New Zealand, Southern Clinical Trials Group is excited about its relocation to the stylish new Forté 2 building, centrally located adjacent to the Forté Hospital at 132 Peterborough Street. This purpose-built medical facility enables the group to continue its valuable contribution to advancing medical knowledge and […]

Showbiz Christchurch

Back to back Broadway hits: you’ll get a kick out of Showbiz Christchurch’s mid-winter concert Broadway Hitmen

Back to back hits from two of the biggest names on Broadway, Cole Porter and Andrew Lloyd Webber, will be performed at the Isaac Theatre Royal, with four performances from 13-15 July. American born Porter wrote more than 800 songs across a five-decade career, conquering both Broadway and Hollywood. His soaring melodies, offset with urbane […]

Unichem Cashel Pharmacy

Action in the city’s heart: Unichem Cashel Pharmacy is providing a fantastic range of services right in the centre of the CBD

Many Cantabrians have said that central cities come to life with essential services placed in top locations. That’s now happening. One great example is the new Unichem Cashel Pharmacy, right opposite Ballantynes. This year the retail heart of Christchurch is back to teeming with life. Cashel Mall, BNZ Square, and The Crossing have everything city […]

Louise Highet

Loving the skin you’re in: Louise Highet has dedicated her career to helping people feel better about their image

Aging naturally, yet gracefully is something we all aspire to achieve. Registered Cosmetic Nurse, Louise Highet will help you achieve both skin health and skin beauty. From a nursing career which has included both hospital and primary health care, Louise then pursued the field of dermatology and cosmetic medicine. Optimising skin health and confidence quickly […]

Architect Craig South

A new approach to an old problem: architect Craig South explores innovative thinking about living in the CBD

Architect Craig South explores an alternative to the norm when it comes to central city living. Architecture is typically viewed as a whole – the exterior lines, the internal layout and the fit-out. And while it is all of that, if we were to strip it back to a considered shell, we have what is […]

Tony Astle

Tony Astle brings the Chiwahwah: questions and answers with a culinary empire-builder

Christchurch hospitality kingpin Tony Astle already heads a culinary empire, but now he’s bringing the Chiwahwah to town. Metropol talks to him about raising the bar – both literally and figuratively. When does Chiwahwah open and can you describe the cuisine and vibe you’re creating? We have only recently received our building consent so sometime […]

Black and White Coffee Cartel

Clever coffee creators: Black and White Coffee Cartel have been industriously working at providing an amazing coffee experience

One of the things you discover about Black and White Coffee Cartel when you drop in for a coffee is the company’s passion for satisfied customers – whether it’s the exquisite coffee, the ambient environment or the staff who serve you. It’s a culture consciously created to ensure every customer’s experience is one that makes […]

Pink Ribbon High Tea at The george

High tea temptations: stick your pinkies out for the Pink Ribbon high teas at The George

The new Executive Chef of The George, Antony Page, recently filled us in on the new 50 Bistro winter menu heading our way, when the discussion moved to a charity function that runs close to Metropol’s heart – the Pink Ribbon Breakfast, supporting the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ. The George is getting behind this very […]

The former Christchurch Re:START Mall

Container mall’s new northern home: Re:START makes it’s way up the coast to quake stricken Kaikoura

Right from square one, the Re:START mall was an out of the box response to the urgent post-quake need for retail space in the city’s heart. And, although only ever intended as a temporary solution, the ‘container mall’ concept’s 2011 opening struck a local chord. The brightly coloured containers quickly became an internationally-recognisable symbol of […]