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The Hoi Polloi Bar & Bistro Menu

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The Hoi Polloi Bar & Bistro is the dining room inside Carnmore Hotel Christchurch, but it operates as a restaurant in its own right, with public bookings and service from breakfast into the evening. Its kitchen draws on Canterbury and wider New Zealand produce while allowing ideas from several cuisines to share the menu. That combination gives the place a useful dual character: approachable enough for a hotel breakfast or an early meal, yet composed enough for a more deliberate dinner in central Christchurch.

Breakfast can be approached through a buffet or ordered as a cooked plate. The big breakfast is the most substantial option, while eggs Benedict and mushrooms on toast offer narrower alternatives. This morning side of the restaurant is more than an afterthought to the dinner service, giving guests a choice between speed and a freshly prepared dish before the room changes pace later in the day. The separate formats also suit travellers with very different amounts of time before heading out into the city.

The dinner starters show how the kitchen works local references into a broadly travelled menu. Smoked Akaroa salmon is sharpened with pickled cucumber, wakame and yuzu mayonnaise, and lamb spanakopita comes with tzatziki. Cacio e pepe fried chicken takes a crisp, savoury direction, while pea and spinach croquettes with harissa provide a vegetable-led opening. Focaccia, olives and a pepper salsa make it easy to begin with something shared rather than commit immediately to separate courses.

Main dishes range from pistachio and panko-crusted lamb rump and South Canterbury beef fillet to coq au vin blanc, five-spice pork belly and market fish with leek and pea risotto. Spinach and ricotta ravioli, dressed with sage and saffron butter, gives the menu a substantial meat-free choice. Dessert retains the same cross-cultural range: Whittaker's chocolate mousse, matcha Basque cheesecake, pineapple and coconut tres leches, and citrus crepes each take a recognisably different route to the final course.

Address: 840–848 Colombo Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand

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The Hoi Polloi Bar & Bistro Menu

Breakfast

Served 7AM till 11AM. Buffet breakfast includes filtered coffee, tea and juice and costs $32 per person; free for 0-5 year olds or half price for 6–11 year olds (when accompanied by a paying adult). Dietary codes: GFA = gluten-free option available, DFA = dairy-free option available, V = vegetarian, VA = vegan option available.

Toast and spread
$10

Sourdough toast, served with butter and a selection of spreads. GFA, DFA, V

Hoi Polloi Big Breakfast
$30

Peter Timbs pork sausage, smoked bacon, homemade hash brown, grilled tomato, sourdough toast, and eggs your way.

Eggs on toast
$17

Two free-range eggs cooked to your liking, sourdough toast, and tomato. GFA, DFA

Mushrooms on toast
$25

Creamy mushroom, spinach, sourdough toast and Romesco sauce, topped with poached eggs. GFA, V

Eggs Benedict
$26

Poached eggs served on toasted English muffin with wilted spinach and smoked bacon topped with Hollandaise sauce. GFA

Eggs Florentine
$24

Poached eggs served on toasted English muffin with wilted spinach topped with Hollandaise sauce. GFA

Eggs Royale
$28

Poached eggs served on toasted English muffin with wilted spinach and smoked salmon topped with Hollandaise sauce. GFA

House-made toasted muesli
$18

Honey-toasted seeds, nuts and oats, yogurt, compote, seasonal fresh fruits, and a choice of milk. GFA

Pancake Stack
$22

Seasonal fruits, compote, whipped mascarpone, and maple syrup.

Bacon and Cheese Omelette
$25

Sourdough toast, tomato relish. GFA, DFA, VA

Extras on the Side

Hash brown
$5
Sausages (2)
$6
Smoked Bacon
$8
Smoked Salmon
$8
Two free-range eggs
$7
Hollandaise sauce
$4
Gluten-free toast (2)
$3

Dessert

GF – Gluten Free

Whittaker's Chocolate Mousse
$20

Rich, velvety mousse topped with Whittaker’s Peanut Slab shards and dark chocolate crumbs, served with raspberry sorbet. GF

Matcha Cheesecake
$20

A crustless Basque-style cheesecake with a silky texture and burnt top, served with strawberry compote. GF

Pineapple & Coconut Tres Leches
$20

Light sponge soaked in a three-milk blend with crushed pineapple and whipped cream. GF

Citrus Crêpes
$20

Delicate crêpes served with tangy lemon curd, Suzette butter and poached citrus slices. GF

Affogato al Caffè
$15

Vanilla bean ice cream ‘drowned’ in a double shot of hot espresso, served with a crisp biscotti. GF

Blondie Chocolate Cheesecake
$18

Brûleé-topped cheesecake, with miso-caramel sauce & seasonal fruit compote. GF. Crafted by Chef Kalpesh Chavan, The Hoi Polloi, Christchurch

Citrus Crêpes
$18

Lemon curd, Suzette butter, poached citrus slices. GFA. Crafted by Chef Maree Connolly, Quench Restaurant & Bar, Blenheim

Tiramisu
$20

Our take on this Italian classic. Coffee liqueur-soaked lady fingers, creamy mascarpone filling & cocoa dusted top.

Whittaker's Chocolate Mousse
$20

Rich & creamy chocolate mousse topped with peanut chocolate pieces, & raspberry sorbet on chocolate crumbs. GFA. Crafted by Chef Paul Limacher, The Angus, Lower Hutt

Kids Dessert Menu

Chocolate Brownie, Vanilla Ice Cream & Chocoloate Sauce
$10
Ice Cream Sundae with Sauce
$10

Choose from berry, chocolate or caramel sauce.

Fruit Salad with Vanilla Ice Cream
$10
Banana Split with Vanilla Ice Cream
$10

Entree

Akaroa Smoked Salmon
$26

Our ‘Hero’ entrée dish features a home-cured & smoked fillet of prime salmon, sourced from the pristine waters of Akaroa Harbour. This delicate fillet is carefully marinated & gently smoked, then oven-glazed to medium-rare & served on a bed of pickled cucumber strands, wakame & kombu seaweed leaves, with a yuzu & lemon mayonnaise. An absolutely delicious combination. DF, GF. Crafted by Chef Paul Limacher, The Angus, Lower Hutt

Warm Marinated Olives
$14

These succulent olives have been marinated with rosemary, chili, lemon & Canterbury’s best extra virgin olive oil, served warm to accentuate the intense flavour. DF, GF, V, VE

Artisan Breads
$18

A selection of hand-crafted breads served with Canterbury’s finest extra virgin olive oil, our home-blend nuts & spices dukkha & delicious hummus. GFO, V, VE, DF

Hoi Polloi Fried Chicken
$22

Buttermilk marinated chicken thigh, Crispy fried, beautifully moist with mustard mayo, chili oil. GF

Seasonal Vegetable Soup
$16

Daily creation made from the pick of the fresh crop from the market, served with grilled hand-crafted sourdough. GFO, DF, VE, V

Mushroom Pâté
$18

This delicious & delicate combination is served with sweet cornichons, homemade sesame Lavosh crackers, onion jam. GF, DF, VE

Tender Charred Leeks
$18

Served with a Romesco tomato sauce, pomegranate, & fresh micro herbs & a drizzle of leek olive oil. GF, DF, VE

Mushroom Ravoli
$22

Noori brown butter sauce, toasted pine nuts & Parmigiano Reggiano. V

Smoked Akaroa Salmon
$26

Home-cured and smoked salmon from Akaroa Harbour, oven-glazed to medium rare. Served with pickled cucumber, wakame, yuzu mayonnaise and toasted sesame. GF, DF

French Onion Short Rib
$27

Slow-braised beef short rib with sweet caramelised onion and melted Gruyère, inspired by the French classic. GF

“Cacio e Pepe” Fried Chicken
$23

Golden fried chicken coated in aged pecorino and cracked black pepper, served with a zesty lemon aioli. GF

Spiced Lamb Spanakopita
$22

Hand-rolled golden pastry filled with tender spiced lamb and aromatic herbs, served with cool tzatziki.

Verdant Vegetable Croquettes
$18

Lightly fried pea and spinach croquettes infused with fresh garden herbs, finished with a spiced harissa sauce. V

Artisan Focaccia Bread
$18

Hand-crafted toasted focaccia served with marinated olives and roasted pepper salsa. V

Seasonal Vegetable Soup
$18

A daily creation from the freshest market produce, served with grilled sourdough and whipped butter. V

Mains

Lumina Lamb Rump
$44

Our ‘Hero’ main course dish features Lumina South Canterbury Merino Lamb Rump. This flavoursome cut is left with its cap on to enhance its richness & is best cooked to medium for optimal tenderness & succulence, though personal preference is always accommodated. The rump is coated with a crust of pistachio nuts, panko breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley & olive oil, then rested after cooking before being carved & served on a cumin & parmesan-spiced potato purée, accompanied by a rich pan jus reduction & fresh seasonal vegetables. GF. Crafted by Chef Maree Connolly, Quench Restaurant & Bar, Blenheim.

Prime Aged Angus Beef Steaks
200g Beef Fillet $49 / 300g Ribeye Steak $45 / Add two fried, free-range eggs $7

Raised on the grassy slopes of South Canterbury, grilled to your preference, served with your choice of mashed potatoes or fries & either a mixed salad or steamed vegetables, plus your preferred sauce. Add two fried, free-range eggs. GF, DF

Pork Belly – Twice Cooked, Locally Raised
$42

Beautifully tender with crispy crackling served on a creamy kūmara puree, braised red cabbage, seasonal vegetables & spiced apple sauce with pan gravy. GF

Grilled Chicken Breast
$42

Moist & tender chicken breast marinated with fresh herbs & lemon, accompanied by mashed potatoes, market vegetables topped with Parmesan crumbs & a sage-scented masala sauce. GFA, DFA

Market Fresh Fish
$39

Catch of the day, according to Chef’s choice, a member of our service team will explain the details and components of today’s creation. GFA, DFA

Harissa-Spiced, Pan-Roasted Cauliflower
$32

Served with hummus, chickpea & spinach salad & fresh mint. GF, DF, VE

Mushroom Ravioli
$36

Noori brown butter sauce, toasted pine nuts & Parmigiano Reggiano. V

Hoi Polloi Gourmet Burger
$29

Hand-crafted bun, crispy lettuce, tomato, caramelised onion, pickles, cheese & aioli. Choose from succulent beef pattie or crispy fried chicken. GFA, DFA

Bangers & Mash
$32

Peter Timbs pork & herb sausages, creamy mashed potatoes, buttered peas, caramelised onion gravy. GF

New Zealand Lamb Rump
$46

Premium lamb rump with a pistachio-panko herb crust, served over cumin and parmesan potato purée, seasonal vegetables and rich pan jus. GFA

200g South Canterbury Beef Fillet
$52

Grass-fed beef grilled to your preference, served with creamy potato purée, seasonal greens, red wine jus and Béarnaise butter. GF

300g Prime Aged Ribeye
$49

Raised on the grassy slopes of South Canterbury and grilled to your preference. Served with golden fries, a crisp seasonal garden salad and our signature red wine jus. GF

Coq au Vin Blanc
$43

Tender chicken thigh in a white wine velouté with smoky bacon lardons, mushrooms and glazed shallots over creamy mashed potatoes.

Five Spice Local Pork Belly
$45

Slow-roasted rolled pork belly served with miso pumpkin purée, wilted Asian greens and glossy hoisin jus. GF, DF

Bangers & Mash
$34

Peter Timbs pork & herb sausages, creamy mashed potatoes, buttered peas, caramelised onion gravy. GF

The Hoi Polloi Burger
$29

Brioche bun, crispy lettuce, tomato, caramelised onion, pickles, cheese & aioli. Choose from: Succulent beef patty or crispy fried chicken.

Market Fish
$42

The day’s freshest catch served over a creamy leek and pea risotto with seasonal garden greens. GF, DFA

Spinach & Ricotta Ravioli
$38

Stuffed pasta in a fragrant sage and saffron butter sauce, finished with citrus zest, roasted pine nuts and parmesan. V

Golden Cauliflower
$34

Turmeric and lemon roasted cauliflower with creamy white beans, zesty red pepper salsa and toasted seeds. VE, GF

Dinner Sides

Creamy Mashed Potatoes
$8

GF

Charred Broccoli with Harissa
$8

GF, DF

Fries with Tomato Sauce
$12

GF

Seasonal Crispy Salad with Mustard Dressing
$8

GF, DF

Selection of Steamed Fresh Vegetables
$8

GF, DF

Red Wine Jus
$6
Garlic Butter
$6
Bearnaise Sauce
$6
Peppercorn Sauce
$6
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
$12

GF

Garden Salad with Mustard Dressing
$12

GF, DF, VE

Steamed Seasonal Vegetables with Garlic Butter
$12

GF

Red Wine Jus
$6

GF

Garlic Butter
$6

GF

Kids Menu – Mains

Mac & Cheese
$15
Mini Pizza
$15
Local Pork Sausage and Mash & Gravy
$15
Fries
$12

Kids Menu – Dessert

Ice Cream Sundae with Sauce
$10

Choose from berry, chocolate or caramel sauce.

Yoghurt and Fruit Compote
$10
Fruit Salad and Sorbet
$10

Comfort Food Classics

Available every Monday & Wednesday from 5pm. All dishes $25.

Classic Mince & Cheese Pie
$25

Golden pastry filled with rich beef mince and melted cheese, served with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered peas, and house gravy

Slow-Braised Beef Short Ribs
$25

Tender, fall-off-the-bone beef ribs with rich jus, served on creamy mash with steamed seasonal greens (gf)

Bangers & Mash
$25

Pork, herb & leek sausages, creamy mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and caramelised onion gravy (gf)

Crispy Fried Chicken & Chips
$25

Buttermilk fried chicken, golden fries, garden salad, and house gravy (gf)

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