Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
menu of modern classics such as the excellent seafood chowder, steak sandwich and tuna
niçoise. Make a short stop for coffee and a scone, or linger over dinner which leaps up a
tenner or so.
Hopgood's
MODERN NZ $$$
$$$
( 03-545 7191;
www.hopgoods.co.nz
;
284 Trafalgar St; mains $34-38; 5.30pm-late Mon-Sat,
11.30am-2pm Fri)
Tongue-and-groove-lined Hopgood's is perfect for a romantic dinner or
holiday treat. The food is decadent and skilfully prepared but unfussy, allowing quality
local ingredients to shine. Try Asian crispy duck, or aged beef fillet with wild mushroom
gratin. Desirable, predominantly Kiwi wine list. Bookings advisable.
IN PURSUIT OF HOPPINESS
The Nelson region lays claim to the title of craft-brewing capital of New Zealand.
World-class hops have been grown here since the 1840s, and a dozen breweries
660 Main Rd, Stoke)
, a ground-breaker in the new era of craft brewing in NZ. Visit their
historic cider factory for a tasting or tour.
Pick up a copy of the
Nelson Craft Beer Trail
map (available from the i-SITE and
other outlets, and online at
www.craftbrewingcapital.co.nz
) and wind your way
between brewers and pubs. Top picks for a tipple include the Free House Brewing
Company, McCashins, the Moutere Inn (
Click here
)
, Golden Bear (
Click here
)
and
the Mussel Inn (
Click here
).
Drinking & Nightlife
Nelson's got a bad (read: good) case of craft-beer fever, so if your budget allows it, hop-
piness awaits. Cheaper thrills can be found at numerous establishments clustered on
Bridge St towards the intersection with Collingwood.
Free House
CRAFT BEER
(
www.freehouse.co.nz
;
95 Collingwood St)
Come rejoice at this church of ales. Tastefully con-
verted from its original, more reverent purpose, it's now home to an excellent, oft-chan-
ging selection of NZ craft beers. You can imbibe inside, out, or even in a yurt, where
there's regular live music. Hallelujah.
