Romance in the vines: Cross Hares

Romance is in the air at Tai Tapu vineyard Cross Hares, so much so that a couple who just popped by their cellar door for a bottle, ended up getting engaged by the vines, not at all deterred by the activity of Warrick and his digger in action!     They’ve been […]

Coming to a shelf near you: Bangers ‘n’ Bacon

Local purveyors of clean (the only filler is love), low-allergy meat and small goods, Bangers ‘N’ Bacon, is coming to a shelf near you in supermarkets and retailers.     Founder Pete Nolan started the business when his sons’ food allergies and intolerances meant many of his favourite foods were off the […]

Healthy, homely and delectable: The Craft Room Cafe

In Heathcote Valley’s secluded microclimate, healthy home baking lures the senses to Craft Room Café. The cosy yet spacious spot is relaxing inside or out, in the morning or afternoon sun. With parking aplenty, the weekends are buzzing.     “It’s teamwork that creates this happy hive,” says hands-on owner and busy […]

A lovely location: The Elmwood Trading Co.

A home away from home describes the fabulous warm feel and relaxed vibe of this switched up gastro pub. The Elmwood Trading Co fits up to 50 and is the perfect spot when tying the knot, or for having a pre- or post-wedding party.   The restaurant is French chic with a […]

Gorgeous grazing: Four Square Hanmer Springs

Stunning Hanmer Springs, what a place to get married! And at the heart of your beautiful location is Four Square Hanmer Springs catering which has a renowned talent for creating beautiful-looking and delicious-tasting grazing platters.     They can do pre-wedding snacks for the bridal party, larger platters for all your guests, […]

Setting the scene

A defining feature of planning and organising a wedding is choosing a theme or style for the big day, which underpins the details on everything from invitations, to ceremony set-ups, reception tablescapes and venue styling. Metropol has rounded up three trends tipped to influence weddings in 2021 and beyond.     NOSTALGIC […]

Baked with love

Wedding planning has got some sweet relief as the side effects of the Covid-19 pandemic look to be slowing down. And when it comes to choosing one of the sweetest parts of your big day, Metropol has rounded up some of the biggest confections trends for the wedding season ahead.     […]

Quintessential quiche

Quiche, whether served hot or room temperature, is a versatile vessel for abundant autumnal fillings. Packed for a picnic, prepared for a party or famished family, local seasonal ingredients come alive when encased in a flaky or buttery shell.     With origins in Germany and France, it’s the Kiwi-as ingredients that […]

Jambalaya in a jiffy: United Fisheries

Recipe supplied by United Fisheries     Serves 4-6 | Prep 20 mins | Cook 30 mins INGREDIENTS Cooking oil 4 rashers streaky bacon, cut into 2cm pieces 5 Hellers Spanish Chorizo sausages, sliced 1cm thick 1 large onion, roughly chopped ½ green capsicum, diced ½ red capsicum, diced 1 stalk celery, […]

Exceptional, sustainable and fun: Gin Gin

Like the vast gin menu which introduces patrons to hundreds of exciting and interesting varieties of the spirit, Gin Gin’s cuisine menu serves up diverse and refined cuisine in a way which is approachable for all palates. From its new home on candy-coloured New Regent Street, the local favourite’s intriguing and delectable […]