A taste of the South Heads to Auckland

A ‘slice of Queenstown and Wanaka’ is heading to Auckland with the launch of Botswana Butchery in an iconic waterfront position in the heart of the city.

Building on the success of its hugely popular ‘sister’ restaurants in New Zealand’s South Island, the Auckland restaurant is currently under construction in the historic Auckland Ferry Building on Quay Street, previously home to the famous Cin Cin on Quay.

While full details are still under wraps, director Russell Gray said it was the company’s first restaurant outside the South Island.

“We’ve been looking for the right site for years, so finally we’re able to answer the call of many satisfied clients who have repeatedly asked us to bring ‘a slice of Queenstown and Wanaka’ to downtown Auckland,” he said.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled about doing so and in such an outstanding location that’s close to all downtown businesses and hotels, as well as Queen Street, Britomart and the Viaduct Basin, but is also its own destination.”

Mr Gray said the new restaurant would offer “premium fun dining” courtesy of a yet-to-be-announced Executive Chef, highly-experienced restaurant brigade, and a hugely talented front of house team.

He promised it would deliver all the favourites from the Botswana menus.

“We simply couldn’t open Botswana Butchery in Auckland without featuring favourites such as Slow Roasted Lamb Shoulder for Two and the Butchers Block,” he said

Mr Gray said the restaurant would feature a new and improved bar operation for restaurant users as well as after work drinkers and ferry passengers, and a substantial bar food menu.
 

An extensive wine list will focus on some of Central Otago’s most delectable wines, as well as highlighting local Auckland region wines along with a large cellar from the rest of the world.

The look and feel of Botswana Butchery Auckland will be very much in keeping with the Queenstown and Wanaka restaurants, as well as new features which will highlight the integrity of the celebrated Ferry Building

“Our designer Charlotte Spary, who did the interior fitouts for both restaurants in Queenstown and Wanaka, has put her heart and soul into the project,” said Mr Gray.

“The look is sumptuous yet relaxed, with deep padded seating for optimum comfort, and she’s creating some intimate dining spaces within the footprint of the building while still maximizing absolutely stunning harbour views.”

The restaurant will seat approximately 120 guests inside and up to 40 on the terrace.

It is scheduled to open late March 2012.

For more information about Botswana Butchery visit www.botswanabutchery.co.nz