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 see our two […]

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 chic chaise lounge, […]

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 their hungry but […]

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 Graham and Europe-trained […]

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 from scratch. Imagine… […]

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 busy harvesting grapes […]

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 table. With 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 bee Hannah Woodward. […]

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 cheeky twist, and […]

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, and a platter […]