Seedlip

Master Mocktail: Seedlip

Steal some stellar tips and tricks from the founder of the world’s first distilled non-alcoholic spirit, Seedlip, and prepare to master the perfect mocktail with Ben Branson’s Seedlip masterclass.     Blended and bottled in the UK, Seedlip boasts many tempting qualities – say goodbye to calories, sugar and artificial sweeteners and […]

Patisserie Yahagi

Making sweet memories: Patisserie Yahagi

Patisserie Yahagi, located in an old shopping arcade at Church Corner mall, Upper Riccarton, celebrated its tenth birthday on 4 March.     The shop has been providing more than 15 kinds of exquisite desserts since it opened. Although the offerings in the cabinet have changed frequently to match the seasons, some […]

Seven Café

Tempting High Tea Treats: Seven Café

Seven Café is a relaxing retreat in the heart of the hustle and bustle of Church Corner. With plenty of parking and a pretty, sequestered interior, it is a nice alternative to the frantic atmosphere of the mall.     On the menu at Seven is a tempting array of brunch items […]

Totally Gluten Free

Baking for the one in five: Totally Gluten Free

Wendy Smith, a traditional baker, says the only thing going for Coeliac Disease and associated gut disorders is that it unites people from across the cultural and class divide.     “I remember when Totally Gluten Free was located at our original Worcester Street premises, seeing this elderly Merivale lady chatting away […]

Crisp Café

The Perfect Place: Crisp Café

Crisp Café ticks all the boxes when it comes to food, service, vibe and that all important parking question.     With an enormous shopping carpark to pull into, no steps to have to negotiate prams or wheelchairs and seating for 70, this is the perfect venue to catch up with friends, […]

Cross Hares Winery

Year of the Hare: Cross Hares Winery

They may describe themselves as ‘accidental winegrowers’, but Natalie and Warrick Edwards, of Cross Hares Winery, have certainly proved that where there’s a will, there’s a way.     After the September 2010 earthquake saw the Edwards’ family having to farewell their irreparable home forever, Natalie and Warrick had to seriously rethink […]