Stories

Eschewing street frontage and the obligatory rubbernecking gawkers it attracts, Stealth Hospitality’s flagship (and the literal King of its popular empire) King of Snake epitomises off-the-grid nonchalance, with its no-fuss entrance via an unassuming alleyway. Equal measures chic sophistication and rock star swag (note the now iconic skull wallpaper in the bar!), this post-quake bar raiser has become the measuring stick of cool. It’s a flawless union: a slick fit-out, top-of-the-game Asian fusion fare, and that elusive hybrid of über professional, efficient and disarming Kiwi charm/service usually reserved for the country’s luxury lodgings. With primo cocktails a given, King of Snake’s legendary namesake elixir is top-shelf lightning-in-a-tumbler magic, and not to be missed. Bitingly potent, it’s a harmoniously-blended firecracker of fresh ginger, chilli-infused Belvedere Vodka and citrus liqueur. It’s the perfect primer for, and distillation of, executive chef Stuart Langsford’s celebrated Asianic menu without borders. The diligent front of house team...

Exciting news, Cityscapers – we've let the first issue of Cityscape monthly loose on the world! The debut issue, September 2017, is out now.Cityscape’s shiny new monthly magazine is a companion publication to Christchurch’s favourite quarterly lifestyle bible, and the hottest ticket on all things happening, relevant and of the now in the city. As usual with Cityscape, it channels everything from Christchurch's essential events, latest venues and all things trending through to exciting discoveries and catching up with some seriously cool locals (and talented visitors!). It's the essential on-the-ground guide to exploring and experiencing the very best our awesome city has to offer.Urban, edgy and with our signature street smarts, the new title further cements Cityscape as Christchurch’s barometer of cool and the city’s go-to-guide for all the latest in entertainment, food, bars and nightlife; gigs, movies, influencers, fashion, beauty and wellbeing, as well as all the hottest events, exhibitions, performances,...

I’m super impressed by Eco Frame and Mirror’s Hamish Noster; not only has he called dead on 9am (our appointment time), but he’s at our office minutes later with the Art Hang van to collect a large art piece we had shipped over from Sydney, which has been stranded in the office due to its sheer size.While technically a pick-up is outside of their service offerings, Hamish nonetheless arrives to collect the behemoth artwork with the easygoing, next-level service of a true pro, and takes it back to our house where we have a huge clock, mirror and two additional pieces of art waiting to hang. The additional artworks waiting at home have been framed by the Eco Frame and Mirror team, who with their stunning selection and on point advice (following a series of probing questions regarding art placement, surrounding décor and natural light) have made the process entirely hassle-free.At...

As soon as the rich aromas hit us at the top of the (twenty-seven) stairs, we know we’re in for a spectacular culinary experience. Sure – both the fact that Twenty Seven Steps is helmed by formidable foodie duo Emma Mettrick and Paul Howells (formerly of Little Bistro fame) and a quick glance around confirming that it’s comfortably packed on a Wednesday night are also strong indicators – but it’s the immediately comforting and simultaneously ravenousness-inducing incense of serious gourmet cred that floats us to our table.Like a cunning optical illusion, the slinky single New Regent Street shop front entrance (about to be transformed into a hip alfresco bar!) makes way for an intimate and swishy second-floor dining space that spans the width of four shops. The space channels bistro-luxe sophistication sans the stuffy pretension; timber floors and dark wood tables – complete with guttering candlelight and vintage, purposefully mismatched, crockery...