Bubbles and bites
It’s time to raise a glass to the season! With the city buzzing over the coming months, the only question is – where will you sip bubbles and have a bite? We’ve rounded up some of the best spots to kick off the celebrations.
FLOCKHILL
Gather your friends, the mountains are calling. Flockhill Homestead is offering something special this November. Your exclusive four-bedroom luxury retreat comfortably accommodates up to eight guests. Nestled amid 36,000 acres of alpine landscapes, offering sweeping views from every room. Your stay includes a private chef & attendant, breakfast, lunch, dinner, a champagne arrival, Flockhill’s signature Farm Tour, and, for this offer only, pick up and drop off for up to eight guests from Christchurch. Shared spaces are made for gathering: a farmhouse kitchen, lounge & dining room with an open fireplace, spacious sitting room with a bar, books and games, and an outdoor living terrace with a tepid pool, hot spa & fire pit. Bedrooms are luxurious retreats: king-size beds, walk-in wardrobes, private decks, fireplaces, and en-suite baths with views. Just 90 minutes from Christchurch, The Homestead is the perfect escape with friends before summer is in full swing! Single-night stays are exclusively available for $16,560 when you quote the code “Avenues”. Enquire with our reservations team today.
ZODIAC
Spring is the perfect season to take to The Terrace and stop by Zodiac. The outdoor seating overlooking the Avon River is just as inviting as the stylish interior. And what better way to welcome the season – or kick off an event – than with one of barman Arnie’s cocktails? This spring, he’s crafted the Blossom Tease: a refreshing mix of strawberry sake, Hendrick’s Gin, plum and strawberry tea syrup, and other fruity flavours, all finished with a silky egg white foam. Discover this and more at Zodiac this month, and keep an eye on Avenues’ socials for the recipe.
AIKMANS MERIVALE
Let the sunshine spill and the Cloudy Bay Pelorus pour this summer at Aikmans Merivale. Sink into the louvred pergola area, flip open a menu, and start with a glass of bubbles. Feeling summery? Go for an Aperol spritz and call it a day. As for bites, a grazing platter piled with cured meats, cheeses, and pickles is always a crowd-pleaser. Or dive into a dozen briny oysters, a bowl of truffle fries to fight over, and silky duck liver parfait to smear on warm bread. The small-plates menu is perfect for sharing and dipping between sips. And in case you didn’t know, they’re hosting a champagne breakfast on Cup Day. Trust us, you’ll want to be there.
SPRING FLING AT MANU
Manu Restaurant and Avenues Eats present Spring Fling (Sunday 9 November) – the perfect way to launch Christchurch’s biggest social week in style. Step into an afternoon of fine food, fizz, fashion, and fun. Guests will enjoy a decadent three-course menu designed to celebrate the flavours of spring, paired with a welcome glass of bubbly and a few delightful surprises along the way. This intimate event promises sparkle, sophistication, and plenty of reasons to raise a glass. Tickets are $79pp. Keep an eye on Avenues’ social media channels for teasers and updates. Book your place now by emailing bookings@manu.co.nz.
STRAWBERRY FARE
Perched on the edge of the CBD, Strawberry Fare is perfectly placed to start your day with a touch of indulgence. From its elevated dining room, guests enjoy sweeping views over Hagley Park. Open seven days for breakfast and brunch, the menu covers all the classics while introducing dishes with a delightful twist. Pair your meal with a bottle of Moët or Veuve Clicquot, or keep things light with a refreshing mocktail. Behind the kitchen pass is celebrated chef Shafeeq Ismail, who continues to elevate Strawberry Fare’s reputation as one of Christchurch’s go-to destinations. Joining him is former pâtisserie chef to the stars and 2024 Anchor Food Professionals Outstanding Chef, Julie Han of Tablebloom, whose arrival signals an exciting new chapter for the restaurant. High Tea, complete with Julie’s exquisite creations, is set to debut soon. Brunch stars include the eggs Benedict and the salmon gravlax, cured in-house. Of course, Strawberry fare is a dessert institution, and many sweet treats are available on the menu, soon to have Julie’s magical touch. Now is the perfect time to book in for Christmas and functions. Tablebloom Christmas goodies to have centre stage on your own dining table will also be offered this year, with more to be announced in the coming weeks. Find Strawberry Fare at 15 Bealey Avenue, Merivale and now at their new location at Styx Mill Country Club.
CLINK RESTAURANT & BAR
With passionate owner-operators, every detail is considered at Clink – from refined flavours and elegant presentation to a team delivering seamless service. This month, Clink’s menus feature the season’s finest ingredients. Clink is perfect for savouring small plates in the sun-drenched courtyard, sipping a handcrafted cocktail, or indulging in a decadent dinner. The perfect function venue for gatherings of 10 to 120, the team prides itself on delivering outstanding events. Highlights this month include the launch of a sophisticated bottomless brunch and a reimagined Sunday feast.
UNTOUCHED WORLD KITCHEN
Kick off Cup Week in style at Untouched World Kitchen. Book a brunch for two during Cup Week and enjoy complimentary mimosas. The menu, crafted with sustainability at its heart, changes with the seasons but always champions healthy, locally sourced ingredients. Expect protein-packed omelettes, vibrant super salads, wholesome breakfasts, and sweet treats – always free-range, always delicious. Favourites include the Untouched World Benedict and the Hippie Bowl. Every dish is designed to minimise waste while maximising flavour – sustainability never tasted so good.