Discovering The Terrace, Christchurch Central

Pre-2011, one of the most popular socialising locations in the inner city was known as The Strip, the row of restaurants, bars and nightclubs that fronted onto the Avon River between Hereford and Cashel Streets.

The Strip, pre 2011

Then of course, the earthquakes happened, and the rebuild of this city block took some time to get underway, based on the vision of local developer Anthony Gough, who was inspired by Melbourne’s laneways to build something more than just a row of concrete boxes.

Fast forward to 2019 and the replacement for The Strip, known as The Terrace is pumping every weekend and evenings throughout the week.

One of the best additions to this riverfront spot post-quake are the deep and wide steps down in front of the The Terrace so people can grab lunch and sit watching the river – and the punts, going by.

On the far side of the river, a perfect location has been created for bands to play, using the river bank as a mini-ampitheatre, and also providing a great hub for the Busker’s Festival currently on in the city.

So what’s on The Terrace?

Kong bar

Claiming to be the best place in Christchurch for cocktails, Kong is on the ground floor in the same building as Fat Eddies on the corner of Oxford Terrace and Hereford St. And alongside the extensive cocktail menu, of course there are plenty of delicious bites to keep you going.

This opulent bar has been designed to reflect the glamour of the 1930’s. They open daily at 5:00pm and stay open till 3:00am.

Kong Bar chch

Terrace Tavern

Another outstanding restaurant/bar from the owners of former Christchurch institution, the Dux De Lux, The Terrace Tavern is the latest Dux adventure on The Terrace – Christchurch’s most exciting hospitality strip.

Terrace Tavern is a relaxed, casual place where you can come to meet your friends, family and colleagues to enjoy drinks and eat together.

As you would expect from any good Taven that lives up to its name, the Terrace Tavern menu includes many robust meals for meat eaters – which is a step outside the norm given the vegetarian/seafood only menus of the old Dux and the Dux Dine restaurant in Riccarton Road.

Like Dux Central and Dux Dine, Terrace Tavern features the Dux beers alongside some more well-known options, while the wine list has a proudly biased Kiwi line-up.

terrace tavern christchurch

Fat Eddies

Fat Eddies is Christchurch’s premiere jazz club with a mighty proud history – and one of the few spots on The Terraces offering live music on a regular basis.

Plus a menu of pizza and bar snacks and an extensive wine list, beer options and a selection of cocktails to keep you going through the night.

This place really gets busy, so get in early to claim your spot if you are planning to spend some time, or simply add it to the list of places to check out in an evening spent on The Terrace.

Fat Eddies The Terrace Christchurch

The Craft Embassy

The Craft Embassy bar christchurch

The Craft Embassy is an award winning bar and restaurant situated on level one of The Terrace at the heart of Christchurch’s hospitality precinct. Their specialty is thirty taps of independent craft beer, plus a wine list including local, New Zealand and international wines and an plenty of food options.

Botanic

Botanic’s unique space brings groups together – a warm balcony overlooking the Avon, a long, clean interior with pockets of bench seating, and a rear rooftop garden bar sheltered by a modern glasshouse.

The menu was inspired by an escape from the heavy pub-fare of yesterday to a selection that is light and healthy yet provides plenty of flavour options.

Botanic’s menu is complemented by the list of refreshing summer cocktails developed by renowned mixologist James Crinson. Or you can pick a glass of vino from their wine list curated by Australian winemaker, David Messum.

The diverse menu and beverages provide the perfect setting for business lunches that could continue into post-work drinks.

botanic christchurch The Terrace

Original Sin

Original Sin is a premium restaurant in the heart of Christchurch City. Guests are invited to indulge in a unique dining experience surrounded by decor designed to capture the Adam and Eve era.

With dark woods, velvet seating and lush interiors this is the perfect venue for dinner bookings, large or small.

Original Sin restaurant christchurch

 

 

Summer 2019 Christchurch Events

Summer in Christchurch so far has been hot and full of things to do and get involved in.

The Bread and Circus Buskers Festival has the city buzzing for the next few weeks, and there are plenty more events to look forward to. We’ve listed just a few of them below.

Nigella Lawson, January 25 2019, Isaac Theatre Royal

if you love Nigella’s recipes and tv shows, this is your chance to book an evening with the queen of cuisine herself! She will be onstage at the Isaac Theatre Royal talking about life, food and so much more.

Even better, you have the chance to ask her questions through the tour website here. Make the most of a night out in the beautiful Theatre Royal.

Night Noodle Markets, February 6th -17th February 2019, Hagley Park

night noodles chch

Returning for the third year, the Night Noodle Markets are back for 12 days/nights kicking off on our national day, Waitangi Day.

Treat yourself to delicious dumplings, BBQ skewers, eastern desserts, oodles of noodles and more.

Dates: 6th -17th February (12 nights)
North Hagley Park – 14 Riccarton Ave, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8011
Trading Hours: 4 pm to 10 pm daily (Closes early at 9 pm Sunday 17th)
*Early opening of 1pm on Saturday 16th Feb for SPARKS!*

Entry is FREE! (Dogs are welcome on a leash)
Prices range from $5 – $20
Cashless event – EFTPOS/Credit Card/Apple Pay facilities available – just tap or swipe

Sparks in the Park, February 16th, Hagley Park

sparks Christchurch

Sparks is one of the most popular events on the Summertimes calendar and wraps up the programme for the season.

Head to Hagley Park with your picnic rug or chairs and settle in for an evening of orchestral entertainment, choreographed to spectacular fireworks. The CSO plays a great selection of popular music, so there is something for everyone.

Anthony Harper Summer Theatre, 27 Feb – 17 March, Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Summer Theatre Christchurch

Anthony Harper Summer Theatre presents King Arthur in association with Rollicking Entertainment.

An epic tail retold and reinvigorated with a fresh, diverse and cheeky rendition that will entertain all, while enjoying food and beverages in the Botanic Gardens.

This is a free event but koha donations would be gratefully accepted – so make sure to bring a little cash with you.

The location in the Garden is the Murray Aynsley Lawn, which is near the back of Christchurch Hospital and best accessed from the Riccarton Avenue entrance to the Park. Check out the Facebook event page for more details.