FIRST DATE DILEMMA
Get it wrong, and you’re gone. Right, and it may last all night!
top pick
Bottle and Stone
20 Welles Street, Christchurch Central City
5 out of 5 stars
Internet dating hasn’t done much to assist with the first date. Meeting a stranger from a paper portrait you ‘think’ you find attractive enough to share a meal with is a hard call. Not to worry, at Bottle and Stone, every eventuality is covered. It’s a fun, funky, and impressive little space off Quill Lane. There’s a mixture of high leaners and intimate tables, and it has a small and delicious menu. There’s an interactive kitchen with fabulous pizza toppings and the ability to order a slab, half a slab or if you need to exit quickly, just a slice. All going well; you may want to send a sly message. Order a side of *BAE shoestring fries (*[you] before anyone else) that’ll kick up the heat; you may even find yourself brushing digits with your date. They’re mouth-wateringly delicious, crispy with a dusting of pecorino and a hit of garlic oil. Get into the cheeky little wine list, crafty tinnies, and a selection of gorgeous Italian inspired cocktails. If success is on the cards, an in-store bottle-o is available to purchase, take home, pop the cork, and investigate your date further. Eat-in or fingers crossed, take away.
THE PERMIT ROOM
779 Colombo Street, Christchurch
4.5 out of 5 stars
Arrange to meet your date by the Poupou fountain in Victoria Square, then wander over to dine in the dark, sexy opulence of The Permit Room. Out: flock wallpaper, Taj Mahal posters and copper curry bowls. In: cut crystal glasses and porcelain platters. Here, illicitness meets opportunity, and the Southern Indian menu reflects all of this wonderfully. Perfect for small plates and shared dining. From banana and kale bhajis to Keralan fried chicken, gunpowder cauliflower, and much more – plus fabulous vegan selections. The drinks menu is extensive, with a range of bespoke, exotic, and spicy cocktails.
THE BREW ACADEMY
84 Falsgrave Street, Waltham
4.5 out of 5 stars
Now, this is a true geezer-pleaser. Take your geezer and head down to Waltham and learn how to brew your own beer from the experts. Classes include a beautiful lunch from Smoke ‘n’ Barrel, plus you get to take home 40 bottles of freshly brewed grog. The Smoke ‘n’ Barrel menu is a beer match made in heaven. There’s a range of burgers, 1kg sticky ribs, beef cheek mains; Mac n cheese, mayo-loaded slaw. Oooh, potato skins and a nice little salad (+ meat) menu if you’re watching your weight. Or just head down for a plate and pint of my personal favourite, the Chinchilla – Hop Life Hazy IPA.
ISAAC THEATRE ROYAL
145 Gloucester Street, Christchurch
4 out of 5 stars
Impress your date with some heady romance and book the Royal Box, canapés, and champagne experience. This can be done independent of tickets for a show. Hosted by an ITR team member, you’re treated to canapés and champagne whilst in the Royal Box, where you can enjoy views of the lovingly restored dome and stage. If you are there for a show, you enter the theatre 35 minutes prior to the main audience and are personally seated by an attendant. Come interval; you will be treated to ice creams and any additional pre-ordered drinks. P.S. if all goes well, you’re able to get married in the box, too – just saying!