Best Cup Day brunches
Hello Sunday
Christchurch reaches crescendo for Cup Week – one of the city’s best excuses to get dressed up, socialise and celebrate.
Neat Places knows the secret to a great day at the track is the perfect brunch beforehand, and these are our top picks for this year’s pre-race festivities.
Little Poms
Revel in the special Cup Week mimosas at this vibrant cafe on the Eastern side of the city. Don’t be deterred by the humble interiors – the varied menu and top-range drinks list makes Little Poms a destination experience.
Accepting Cup Day bookings, Little Poms’ menu is a refreshing blend of old favourites alongside interesting new dishes. The coconut chia breakfast pudding is listed alongside scrambled eggs with shiitake mushrooms and the Little Pom’s benny – a concoction including smoked bacon and cheddar buttermilk biscuits.
In true Cup Week spirit, Little Poms is introducing mimosas for the racing crowd – a festive tipple over and above the extensive range of wines and craft beers already on offer.
Welles Street
It’s Welles Street’s first Cup Week, but the cafe is certainly taking its role as hosts very seriously. Catering for those heading to the track, they will also be putting it on for those happy to enjoy the festivities from afar.
Live music, food and drink specials, and a custom, raceinspired installation is planned featuring a cardboard horse cutout, faux grass and a white picket fence – you might not even want to head to the track at all.
While there are special drink and dine options, there is also no need to fasten your fascinators or clip on your cufflinks – simply walk into Welles Street and avoid the queues.
Bookings are not required, but are available for those wanting to secure their spots at what may be shaping up to be one of the best Cup Week parties in town. Bookings are essential at arguably Christchurch’s most popular brunch destination, and with a special cocktail and free coffee for those attending the races – Cup Week will be no different.
Dressed to the nines, you’ll feel sophisticated in this light-filled space not too far from Addington and Riccarton race courses.
The award-winning, taste-bud thrilling brunch options cater for all dietary requirements – including vegan.
Made from scratch, using local and organic produce, dishes range from spiced Turkish eggs to matcha waffles, to exotic salads and hearty build-your-own options.
This delicious fare can then be enjoyed with a glass of bubbles, or the invigorating Hello Sunday mimosa – comprising French Champagne, St Germain Elderflower and Vermouth soaked blackberries.
Town Tonic
Close to both raceways, and with a larger-than-most capacity, this polished Lincoln Rd eatery is a stylish brunch option. Floor-toceiling windows fill the urban space with natural light, enhancing the sleek-yetcomfortable fit out.
With generous servings and delicious, fresh ingredients – think loads of avocado, fresh salmon and Mexican influences – the menu is huge, with a whole section dedicated six signature egg dishes.
With such variety there will definitely be a menu item to suit the tastes and dietary requirements of everyone in your party – with a unique cocktail, beer or wine to match.
Sister Kong
Another establishment preparing for its first Cup Week is Sister Kong, which will bring a taste of the Orient to racegoers’ days.
It will be worth making a fashionably late entrance to the equine events to visit this Hong Kong-inspired restaurant and bar, which opens for lunch and dinner, and stays open late.
For those looking for a lunch option or after-party destination, follow the neon Lucky Cats off Victoria St to this Hong Konginspired restaurant and bar.
Sister Kong’s owners are using Cup Week to launch its summer menu, which will be infused with confit duck, green paw paw and a revolutionary rosemary and goat’s cheese cocktail.
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