The Tai Tapu Hotel

Historically Unique: The Tai Tapu Hotel’s rich heritage

The Tai Tapu Hotel, or ‘The Tap’ as it is better known, has been at the forefront of social activity within Tai Tapu ever since inception way back in 1856. Strongly rooted in the history of Canterbury, The Tap has been the definitive place for eats, drinks and functions. Talking of functions, the team at […]

Cafe PJ

Where fresh is best: Hills Road based Café PJ takes a fresh approach

Where do you find fresh food, fantastic coffee, great service and a warm and friendly atmosphere like no other? Why Café PJ of course. Located at 205A Hills Road since September 2017, Café PJ is the result of Pam Jones (hence the PJ) vision to create a café where fresh is best and a smile […]

The Oaks of Darfield

A Darfield attraction: The Oaks of Darfield aims to impress

Since inception back in 2004, The Oaks of Darfield has become a major attraction as both a place of fine dining and quality accommodation. Located at 2171 Clintons Road, Darfield, the historic Canterbury property – surrounded by a large stand of mature oak trees and a large garden with sunny courtyard – is sure to […]

A Rolling Stone

City’s new Irish heart: New pub A Rolling Stone opens in the CBD

There’s a cool new kid on the hospitality block in Christchurch; a charming and atmospheric old Irish pub, with a bar and dining service that is carving its own niche. A Rolling Stone opened on Colombo Street on 25 January and, although it’s an Irish bar and restaurant at heart, its fine food and welcoming […]

Chef Andy Cordier

Ahead of the gastronomic game: Q&A with Chef Andy Cordier of the International Culinary Studio

The International Culinary Studio is a world first. A response to a substantial appetite for a blended learning experience, this compelling concept is serving up a generous portion of innovation. Metropol talks to Chef Andy Cordier about what’s cooking for the studio in 2018. When did your passion for food begin? I know it’s a […]

Activated charcoal bun

Charcoal’s culinary cool cred: activated charcoal and what to do with it

It doesn’t look or sound like something you would want to ingest, however, activated charcoal is the latest culinary constituent on everyone’s lips and it’s the antithesis of the unicorn food craze of 2017. This sooty, jet black powder has been a mainstay of Chinese medicine for thousands of years based on its detoxifying capabilities, […]

Edible Flowers

Flavour of the month: edible flowers make their mark

Much like our wardrobes, the contents of our kitchen cupboards too are influenced by trends and, just like we freshen up our sartorial selections when it comes to the changing of the season, our culinary cravings can also benefit from a revamp. So what’s the flavour of the month in our culinary creations? Well, topping […]

The North Canterbury Wine and Food Festival

A super special Sunday: The uber cool North Canterbury Wine and Food Festival

When it comes to the hit events on the Canterbury social calendar, the North Canterbury Wine and Food Festival is right up there with the best. Set under the picturesque oaks of Glenmark Domain in Waipara Valley, the festival is back next weekend Sunday 11 March to celebrate the local bounty of the flourishing region […]