Cardamom + dark chocolate “cheesecake” bars
Gluten-free | Makes 12–14 slices | Vegan Method: Start this recipe the night before to soak the cashews. To make the cheesecake base, line a 28cm x 18cm slice tin with baking paper, overlapping the sides by 2cm. Put the pitted dates, almonds and melted coconut oil into a food processor […]
Menus for mum on her special day
Cooking up a storm has been part and parcel of Mother’s Day for decades, whether it is singed toast and orange juice lovingly prepared by tiny hands for breakfast, or more creative culinary efforts. Here are Metropol’s suggestions for delicious ways to treat the mother figure in your life this year, plus […]
Eliza’s is back on the scene: Eliza’s Manor
Following extensive renovations, Eliza’s Manor is back on the scene as one of Christchurch’s most intimate and historic wedding venues to choose for your big day. Marking its 160-year anniversary, this iconic Manor at 82 Bealey Avenue radiates old-world charm and ambiance from the very moment you step through its […]
Icing on the wedding cake: Twisted Flour & Sugar
This dynamo mother and daughter duo really do put the icing on the wedding cake. Sally Holt is the fantastic frilly and flowery creative and Kate Podmore, an ingredients alchemist with a flair for fondant. Once clients arrive at Twisted Flower & Sugar Merchants sunny greeting room in Wigram with the […]
A winning winery: Melton Estate
Imagine a place architecturally-designed for weddings that was tailored to make your big day everything you wanted and more. Think of an all-weather outdoor wedding chapel and entertaining space that comes complete with lighting and heating. Well…lucky for you, you do not have to imagine. Melton Estate is a boutique […]
A place to celebrate! Rossendale Vineyard
Planning a wedding or family celebration is looking a lot brighter in recent times, and if a vineyard setting is calling, look no further than Rossendale. A beloved venue for many years, this beautiful and unique property offers the ultimate setting for any celebration, big or small. With in-house catering, […]
A balanced approach: Formosa
Gorgeous fusion restaurant Formosa takes inspiration from the contemporary aspects of the West, while paying homage to its Asian roots at the same time – a unique and perfect balance of yin and yang. Amber Huang and her team cherish that balance and always bring something new and fresh to […]
The most beautiful backdrop: Harbour House
Harbour House in Governors Bay is so close to the heart of Christchurch, yet its unique location has the feel of a different world. Views of Lyttelton Harbour serve as the stunning backdrop for your wedding and whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a bigger celebration, event manager Nic […]
Food to fall for: Fionas Food
Delicious food is what memories are made of and you can create beautiful wedding memories with Fiona’s Food. Fiona van der Pol has been providing tasty, uncomplicated food in and around Canterbury since 2007 and describes her food as “elegantly rustic.” The emphasis is on freshness; it’s flavoursome, familiar and made […]












