The postcard perfect fruit and vegetable garden is shared between the Botanic Gardens and the restaurant and many loved-up fiancés choose to exchange poetic vows under the shade of kiwi trees and strawberry bushes. Cooking demonstrations and grow your own garden workshops have proven a hit with visitors itching to replicate chef Mary Holloway’s spectacular kitchen creations. It’s not surprising that fresh food enthusiasts travel from near and far to nab a cosy table at this gorgeous Stratford-upon-Avon-style cottage.
Curator’s House restaurant opened in 2000 and is run by Spanish born lawyer Javier Garcia, his wife Jackie and their family. The menu offers generous, robust Spanish-inspired fare with an emphasis on fresh, locally grown ingredients. Those who venture to this verdant retreat will be rewarded with share plates like the Curator’s House special recipe pate, served with croutons, beetroot apple, dark plum chutney and three onion marmalade – all home-made of course. However you won’t find any miniature tapas tasting plates on the main course menu. Slow roasted mandarin duck confit and Canterbury spring lamb sit alongside a bevy of succulent seafood options. Throw in some authentically spicy sangria and a luscious dessert and you have yourself the perfect excuse for a long lunch in Christchurch.
Open 7 days from 11am till late
Lunch, Dinner, Refreshments