Tucked away between Queenstown and Arrowtown, visitors will find Aryburn, a new food and wine destination.
MiNDFOOD was fortunate enough to visit the new dining precinct ahead of it’s opening to test out the menus.
Our favourite? Ayrburn’s signature martini, The Dirty Sunflower. A well blended mix of local gin ‘washed’ with Royalburn sunflower oil, Sicilian olive brine, French vermouth, marinated lemon and thyme olive garnish. It was amazing, especially as served with caviar.
The vision of the Ayrburn team was no short feat. The impeccable attention to detail matches the “All in good time” Ayrburn tag line.
A Cluster of Heritage
Throughout the property, heritage buildings have been converted into restaurants, bars, VIP spaces – and to come – 5 star dining and wedding venue/boutique accommodation.
Materials used mirror the Otago landscape. Impressive attention to detail has been given with roofs lifted and refitted and hand painted murals throughout the venues.
On site, there are a variety of different offerings. The Manure Room serves oysters and beef tartare as the superbly crisp Methode Heritage IV bubbles flow. Lunch is served in The Woolshed, where highlights included the Grilled Octopus with Black Garlic emulsion and compressed green apple. As with each space at Ayrburn, The Woolshed has it’s own personality. Colin McCahon and Goldie paintings hang on the walls, adding to the luxe yet approachable atmosphere. And don’t miss the VIP area upstairs, the perfect plush area to enjoy a glass of local Pinot Noir.
If you are drawn to Otago for it’s world renowned Pinot Noir, then The Burr Bar is where you want to escape. Originally the Patterson family homestead, the space has been styled in rich warm tones. The cocktail list is made for a fun time. Small but perfectly formed it includes classics like Espresso Martinis and Barrel Aged Negroni, as well as more bespoke options, such as The Green Lady – lemon gin, limoncello, basil, lemon and the Patterson (trouble!) malt whiskey infused with raisin, sherry, bitters. Outside you’ll find a large fire to watch the sunset, under fringed umbrellas as you listen to the saxophonist.
Looking for something a little more family friendly?
The Dell, which will open after the launch, is the perfect locale when the kids are in tow. Let them fish for their own freshwater crayfish and the resident chef on site will cook it up into a pizza or pasta. The kids won’t believe their luck. Plus, a stop pass The Diary for an ice cream is a must, for the adults too.
The scale and vision of Ayrburn is beyond incredible. No compromise has been made at any stage. The design, art and staff is all exquisite. And the food and wine? Well it has to be some of the best in the country.
Add Ayrburn to your list of must-visits next time you are in Queenstown. And make sure you visit again next year when Billy’s opens. The fine dining experience sounds nothing short of incredible.
