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 […]

Peck of the bunch: Purple Weka Cafe

Wekas are known as cheeky food-stealing birds, but at Purple Weka Café & Bar, the food is the one stealing the show. Teamed with a welcoming atmosphere and impeccable service, this is one local hospitality hotspot worth adding to your 2021 to-do list.     Owner Stewart McDougall says the fare is made on-site with […]

No ordinary café: Good Street Deli

Artistic sweet pastries and (almost) too good looking to eat handcrafted chocolates sit alongside an exceptional menu and cabinet food offerings at Good Street Deli.     Tucked inside the Opus Building on Moorhouse Avenue, new owners have reinvigorated the eatery – offering a creative high tea and have just introduced a $10 weekend breakfast […]

New cafe the place to be: Taste of Kiwi

A delicious stop-off on any drive through Springfield, Taste of Kiwi café is a new venture for Cam Clark and Kristina Squires. And the couple are overdelivering on their pledge to serve the best of Kiwi cuisine, community, and hospitality.     Not only are the couple determined to create a hub for the community […]

Internationally designed for locals: The Option

The flair of European cuisine hides in plain sight in Northwood at The Option Bistro & Wines. Those who have visited the continent will know, there, hospitality transcends expertly cooked cuisine with matching wines, and combines excellent service and an atmosphere which fosters connection. And that’s exactly what happens at The Option.   Owners and […]

Ashburton eats: The Millhouse Kitchen

Sunshine streams into the Millhouse Kitchen onto cosy leather armchairs and farmhouse-style table and chairs, creating an inviting atmosphere for this hidden gem of a mid-Canterbury cafe.     The heritage of the 108-year-old building is pristinely preserved in the wooden panelled walls and framed historic photographs which hang upon them, but the hospitality, cuisine […]

‘tis the season: Fig Restaurant

It’s mid-November and chances are there are some who are yet to organise an end – or start – of year celebration. If you are pondering a location, Ravi Naidu has it fig-ured out. Fig Restaurant at Quality Hotel Elms is a crowd-pleasing silly season locale.   The Papanui modern bistro has just curated a […]

Fusion front runner: Formosa Restaurant

Atmosphere and flavour collide at Formosa, Ashburton’s standout Asian-fusion restaurant perfect for post-race dinner, fine dining, cocktails or dessert. The Formosa experience starts from the moment you walk in the door; where you are greeted with a vibrant red brick wall emblazoned with flowers and cluster of red parasols floating above. With beautiful, polished décor […]

Changing Protocol: Protocol

As they say, every cloud has a silver lining. For Protocol, that meant looking at the space they had and envisaging the space it could become.   Owner Genaea Calvert says, “COVID-19 allowed us to re-visit our business and utilisation of spaces”. So, after feedback about noise travelling from the bar area, and with new […]

Refurbished, refit and ready: Tinwald Function Centre

Refurbished, refit and ready – the Tinwald Function Centre’s new restaurant and remodelled function room with onsite accommodation and ample parking is ready for function season.     A $1 million renovation of the centre has seen its former restaurant remodelled into a purpose-built function space for up to 120 people. The work made way […]