Charming Mayfield stopover: Cafe Mayfield
Heading out of town? Don’t miss one of Canterbury’s best-kept secrets. Just a small detour off the South Island’s main north-south routes, Cafe Mayfield is a refreshing change from the usual roadside eateries. Explore Canterbury’s inland scenic route 72 and the charming rural town of Mayfield, which is home to one of the […]
Sing it! Cheers & Karaoke Bar
Celebrating a birthday? Looking for school holiday fun? Or just craving some authentic Taiwanese food? What if we told you that you could do it all in one place? “It’s about creating a space where people can switch off from their day, connect with friends, and have fun – whether that’s through food, […]
Classic sponge recipe
Need a cake for a special occasion to please a crowd (or your mum)? Few people have the willpower and self-control needed to say no to a slice of decent sponge cake. This recipe from Christchurch-based food photographer and recipe developer Jessica Donaldson is perfect for a treat or celebration. Is there a […]
Flavours without borders: El Faro
More than just a café, this Ferrymead haven combines Mediterranean and South American flavours in a space created for the community. Lighthouses are symbols of safe harbours, of a welcome to secure anchorage. In Spanish, a lighthouse is called ‘el faro’, a phrase that could not be more appropriate for this eatery by […]
Chocolate truffle martini
Is it dessert? Is it a cocktail? We’re pretty sure mum won’t quibble with the semantics when you present her with this delicious, chocolatey treat. Ingredients: 60ml vodka (vanilla or chocolate vodka) 30ml chocolate liqueur 30ml Irish cream liqueur 30ml cream Ice cubes, 2 or 3 Method: In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, […]
A calm conference: Tai Tapu Hotel
Imagine a countryside setting for your next function or boardroom meeting. Did we mention free parking and a private bar? The standalone function room at Tai Tapu Hotel is a welcoming, light-filled space that comfortably seats up to 80 guests, with flexible set-up options to suit your event. It’s available Monday to Sunday […]
Creamy carrot & bacon soup recipe
Perfect for those wintry days, this heart-warming soup from the new book by Sue Heazlewood, Tangleby Everyday Recipes Book Two, is a delicious lunch when served with buttered and grilled ciabatta. Head along to the book’s launch on 21 May at North Canterbury Books. Ingredients | Serves 4 150g bacon, diced 1 tbsp […]
Banana miso caramel cake recipe
Caramelised bananas sit on top of a tender spiced cake in this elevated upside-down variation, with a sweet and salty twist. Developed by Jessica Donaldson of Semla Studio, this treat is best served warm while the caramel is soft and glossy. Ingredients, serves 8-10 For the cake • 120g caster sugar • 3 […]
Auditing experts: Hill Labs
After a successful first year of operation, and as compliance requirements underpin the food sector, a Christchurch joint-venture auditing and inspection services company works to meet demand. “As New Zealand exports grow, the need for independent verification grows with them. Market access requirements are becoming more complex, and producers need reliable and responsive […]
Pickled with love: Gordons Pickles
A family-owned Canterbury business marks 20 years of crafting premium pickles, celebrating the milestone with a bold new product and a continued commitment to quality and community. Gordon’s Pickles is proud to celebrate 20 years in business, a New Zealand, family-owned business manufacturing high-quality pickles since July 2006. “The strength of the business […]












