Summer is on at Aikmans
WORDS Liam Stretch PHOTOS Chloe Mundy
Summer is on the horizon, and Aikmans is the place to be as the weather warms and the events calendar heats up.
In November, the Merivale icon reclaims its role as the home of Cup Week, outside of the racecourses, offering all the luxury you have come to expect from them. General Manager Jeremy Stevens, fresh from an 11-week holiday, is poised to welcome revellers.
Aikmans extends an invitation to racing enthusiasts, unveiling a spectacular race day package for Tuesday’s New Zealand Trotting Cup. The day unfurls with special breakfast offerings from 9 to 11am. Revellers can enjoy breakfast paired with a glass of Moët, all for $49, which includes a one-way ticket to the races. Without a bus ticket, the package is $40.
From 11am to 3pm, the day takes a thrilling turn with the chance for patrons to sabre their champagne bottles. As the bubbles flow, punters can get their picture taken in front of the photo wall. The party doesn’t stop there, you can continue to celebrate through the night, with live music also available from 6pm, by the popular Chilton House band.
Yet, there’s more in store for those seeking a unique Cup Day experience. Aikmans introduces ‘A Day Not At The Races’. Between 11am and 3pm, patrons can enjoy a Cup Day platter, a bottle of Moët champagne, and a dozen oysters for $300, suitable for a table of four.
Jeremy further explains the package, “As a thank-you for coming to Aikmans for the races, your table is secure for the whole day; we’re not going to rebook it.” This package will be on offer for both the Tuesday Addington Trotting Cup and Saturday Riccarton Cup Day.
The pièce de resistance? A colossal 14-metre TV screen, ready to beam the races into the outdoor dining area.
In the spirit of Cup Week, patrons are encouraged to dress to the nines, with the promise of a ‘best in bar’ competition. Jeremy adds with a grin, “Every hour, I’ll personally be choosing someone who’s best dressed and give them some kind of prize.”
As part of the build-up to Cup Week, from the beginning of October there will be the opportunity for champagne lovers to win a Louis Vuitton clutch. Double entries will be available on 27 October, which, of course, is Champagne Day!
The winner will be announced on 8 November. Jeremy shares, “You’ll be ready to dress up; it can go with your Cup Week outfit. It will be personalised with the winner’s name on it.”
On top of their exciting Cup Week offerings, Aikmans also has some special offers for summer as well as a refreshed seasonal menu on the way.
“We’ve got a whole new set of seven-days-a-week rituals, with good deals. We just want people to have a good time at one of Christchurch’s favourite venues – in a safe, fun, local environment.”
Jeremy is looking forward to summer at Aikmans and is excited to connect with customers, both regulars and new ones, again after being away.
“I’ve come back with some fresh ideas, a fresh set of eyes, and eager to have some banter and a joke.”