Market on move to South library

The long-running Opawa Farmers’ Market is moving to a new site in the heart of south Christchurch.

From November 7, the market will move from Fifield Tce to a new spot next to the Christchurch South Library car park.

The location may be different, but organisers promise the same market, at the same time, with all your favourite stalls.

‘‘Although we leave our current site with some sadness having spent over 10 years there, our current lease was about to expire,’’ they said in a Facebook post.

‘‘After a long period of uncertainty, we are looking forward to re-establishing ourselves in our new location with support from the Spreydon-Cashmere Community Board, Beckenham Neighbourhood Association and the Christchurch South Library.’’

The Opawa Farmers’ Market first launched just days after the February 2011 earthquakes and celebrated its 10th anniversary this year.

Farmers markets are able to operate under Covid alert level 2 with no restrictions on numbers, but masks and physical distancing are required.

New branches for two restaurants

Two central Christchurch restaurants have recently opened new branches.

Two Fat Indians’ second branch was officially opened at Northlink on Langdons Rd on October 9, joining the existing restaurant at the EntX building on Colombo St.

The owners are offering a free dessert with each main purchased for all diners who have had both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. They are also offering a free school lunch for a child in need with every main purchased.

Meanwhile, the new Miro at the Manor restaurant launched with a soft opening on October 14.

Francesca Voza and James Sumner – known for Christchurch’s Miro and Francesca’s Italian Kitchen restaurants – will operate the hotel and restaurant in the newly restored, repaired and upgraded Eliza’s Manor on Bealey Ave.

The in-hotel restaurant at the heritagelisted Victorian mansion is open to the public, not just hotel guests.

The restaurant will serve the same breakfast and lunch menu as Miro on Oxford Tce, and will also be open in the evening with a Canterbury-based tasting menu.

Apple lovers rejoice

St Asaph St’s 12 Bar is hosting its second Cider Festival on November 6. The event is going ahead under the current alert level 2 restrictions, but that means tickets are limited.

The festival will feature more than 20 craft ciders and meads from around New Zealand. The $35 entry ticket includes a souvenir glass and the first four taster pours. Tickets available at Humanitix, 12 Bar, and Moon Under Water.

Two new venues to join The Terrace

The ever-developing Oxford Tce strip will feature two new offerings from early November.

King of Snake’s Euroasian menu has proved a big hit at its Victoria St venue in recent years, and the restaurant’s owners are hoping its relocation to level one of the Westpac building on The Terrace will prove popular too. The restaurant will feature a new interior, dedicated cocktail bar, and views over the Avon River.

It is expected to open by the middle of next month.

King of Snake was Avenues magazine’s restaurant of the year in 2020 and a Cuisine magazine restaurant of the year nominee.

A new bar named The Goldfinch will replace King of Snake at its Victoria St site. It is also expected to be open by mid-November.

Zodiac is the new bar replacing Terrace Tavern on the strip between Italian-inspired eatery Original Sin and tropical-themed restaurant/bar Amazonita. It is already taking its first bookings for its expected opening day on November 3.

The venue has undergone a sleek interior and exterior rejuvenation and will offer Asian fusion cuisine with expertly matched drinks.

Dim sum and siu mai will be the stars of Zodiac’s new menu, which will also place a large emphasis on high-quality dumplings, well-paired beverages, good service and a fresh atmosphere.