A nice meal and a drink or two in front of a roaring fire warms the cockles of your heart on a cold winter day. Luckily, there are a number of great restaurants and bars with fireplaces and outdoor heating.
Auckland
Vivace
Vivace is one of our top picks for a night out in Auckland this winter. It’s extensive wine list and delicious trademark tapas, not to mention the large central fireplace, make Vivace well worth braving the cold for.
Wildfire Churrascaria
Wildfire is New Zealand’s first Brazilian BBQ restaurant. They specialise in prime cuts of New Zealand meats, cooked before your eyes and served tableside. While Wildfire doesn’t have a fireplace as such, the heat of the BBQ should ward off the winter chill!
La Zeppa
Freemans Bay favourite La Zeppa has a large fire in the middle of its spacious dining area. La Zeppa is a great place for groups, so grab a bottle and gather round.
Agents & Merchants
Tucked down a laneway between Britomart and Customs Street, Agents & Merchants combines Melbourne chic with the charm of a Paris bistro. A&M, as it’s known, is loved by those in the know for a great bistro style menu that blends contemporary New Zealand cuisine with European style cooking. There’s also a big outdoor fireplace which makes it a good option for smokers.
Mac’s Neighbourhood Brewbar
Many of you will have stopped at Brewbar for a quick beer before heading to the rugby at nearby Eden Park. Brewbar is a great winter destination in its own right though. With hearty pub fare on the menu, Mac’s beers on tap and ample indoor and outdoor heating, you can easily while away a chilly afternoon here.
The Fireplace
The Fireplace, situated at the heart of Kumeu wine country, offers great food and drink in a family friendly setting. As its name suggests, it’s well heated too.
Kitchen, Hotel de Brett
Kitchen at the Hotel de Brett offers a dining experience of unparalleled elegance. It’s divided into a number of areas, each with its own unique charm. You could sip a pre-dinner cocktail in the chic Art Deco-inspired House Bar, relax with a glass of red by the roaring fire or enjoy Kitchen’s distinctive “modern New Zealand meets European” cuisine in the restaurant with its spectacular atrium.
Wellington
Foxglove Bar
With a nod to 1940s glamour and sweeping harbour views, Foxglove certainly makes a statement. It’s also a perfect spot to shelter from the notorious Wellington winds. Grab a cocktail and sink into one of the couches or hot pink velour swivel chairs by the fire in the sitting room.
Public Bar & Eatery
Whatever kind of eating and drinking experience you’re after, Public Bar & Eatery has it covered. They’ve got a restaurant serving sumptuous Kiwi cuisine, a private area for functions and a large and diverse drinks list. One of its best features during the winter months though is the toasty outside fireplace.
Christchurch
Becks Southern Ale House
Becks Southern Ale House is a venue for virtually every occasion, whether that is meeting your mates, watching the game or enjoying a quiet meal. The menu makes great use of local produce including seafood and Canterbury lamb, providing an alternative to regular pub fare. They’ve indoor and outdoor fireplaces, so nobody need get left out in the cold.
Watershed Restaurant & Bar
The large open fireplace in the Watershed’s lounge dining area creates ambience and warmth, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a couple of ales or hold a dinner party this winter.
What are you favourite venues with fireplaces? Let us know by posting a comment below.
Editorial by Nicholas Chidley
4th July 2012
