Overview
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a sizeable impact on restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars. In an effort to generate some buzz for the hospitality community after a challenging 12 months, Hospitality New Zealand together with Wellington NZ and Wellington City Council have launched a new festival.
Over 100 Wellington venues, including restaurants, bars and hotels will be participating in the ten-day Eat, Drink, Play festival by creating Wellington-themed meal and drink pairings or hosting their own unique event — much like month-long culinary adventure, Visa Wellington On Plate.
Food with a side of entertainment is big on the menu. Waterfront venue Coene's will unveil its The Greatest Showman-themed menu and drinks package with circus entertainment, Foxglove is presenting a whisky masterclass with live blues to match, The Tasting Room is serving up piping hot chicken wings and a fire show in its garden bar, and St John's Bar and Restaurant will kick it back to the roaring 1920s as a prohibition speakeasy — you'll need a secret password to gain entry and enjoy the evening of entertainment.
Elsewhere, Rizzo's Pizzeria is Lower Hutt will turn into a magic petting zoo for one day, complete with farmyard creatures and science entertainment, and Opera on the Menu will include a mystery performance from a multi-platinum internationally-acclaimed tenor.
Themed high tea is there, too. QT Wellington's Hippopotamus Restaurant is serving a Victorian themed afternoon sipping session across three tiers, The Arborist is dishing up a range of 'Alice in Wonderland'-inspired treats, and Flamingo Joe's will have you covered with a cocktail event for Mother's Day.
To encourage out-of-towners to visit the capital during the festival, hotel deals are another focus. They range from complimentary breakfast packages to antipasto and wine add-ons and room upgrades.
Eat, Drink, Play will run from 6–16 May, 2021. For more information and the full lineup, visit eatdrinkplay.co.nz.