Within the Martinborough vineyard cluster there is a stylish winery and vineyard called “Poppies”, owned by Poppie and Shayne Hammond. Although not strictly a restaurant, Poppies provides vineyard lunch platters to enhance the enjoyment of their wines. I was starving by the time we arrived there and forgot to photograph their magnificent lunch platter. Forgot! So I won’t bother describing the stuffed cherry tomatoes, marinated aubergines, homegrown olives and succulent pork. Nor will I mention the weeping cheeses, pestos and hummus. The Poppies venue is also used for weddings and events – a lovely place which seems to attract beautiful people..here’s one of them:
Before we leave Poppies, mention must be made of the classical Italian interiors of the women’s restroom which has authentic antique fittings and the most gorgeous chandelier hanging in the corner:
For our first night in Martinborough we decided to check out the Circus Cinema located on a street running off the main square in Jellicoe Street. The Circus Cinema also has a licenced restaurant for casual dining including pizzas.
If you don’t mind the food being delivered at a snail’s pace, it’s a nice place to relax before or after a movie.
A few years ago we had a fantastic dining experience at the Martinborough Hotel which was, at the time, managed by the Peppers Group. We’re pleased to report that although the management has changed, the service and food has not. I know some chefs disapprove of their masterpieces being published by amateur photographers, but…this duck dish was so mouth-wateringly delish..:
The service was impressive. Our waitress welcomed us with a smile of genuine warmth and she was super efficient, as were the rest of the staff. And yes, on this occasion we were happy to tip.
There is another dining option we just didn’t have time to experience but we have heard good things about Tirohana Estate Vineyard which serves dinner in a beautiful villa. Bookings are essential. Ok, two days in Martinborough is not nearly enough but as my dear friend Elaine says, “little fish are sweet”. No matter for how long, it’s always a pleasure being a traveller.
