The Brickworks sits at the foot of the Cashmere Hills as a relaxed neighbourhood gastropub with several personalities under one roof. Exposed brick and a double-sided fireplace give the interior warmth in cooler weather, while the leafy courtyard and spacious beer garden open towards the Heathcote River when the sun is out. Large screens carry live sport, yet the mix of indoor and outdoor areas also suits family lunches, after-work drinks and larger celebrations that have little to do with the game.
The opening side of the menu is designed to encourage a table to share. Chipotle chicken taquitos arrive with salsa cruda and jalapeños, while shredded chicken poutine loads fries with cheese, bacon, gravy and spring onion. House-baked rosemary focaccia, salt-and-pepper calamari, buttermilk chicken, pork and coriander dumplings and three-cheese macaroni croquettes create a broad grazing selection. Groups can gather many of those flavours on one platter instead of negotiating separate starters.
Main dishes retain the familiarity of pub food but push the combinations beyond the expected. A beef burger layers smoked cheddar, pickles, black garlic aioli and bacon-jalapeño jam; pork ribs take on a char siu and plum glaze; and a steak sandwich pairs skirt steak with kimchi and balsamic. Prawn and fennel gnocchi brings a lighter Mediterranean direction, while rolled pork roast, porterhouse, chicken schnitzel and market fish with chips keep dependable classics close at hand.
Daytime dining has its own rhythm, from a full cooked breakfast and omelette to chicken and waffles finished with hot honey. Salads built around fried halloumi, prosciutto and fennel, panzanella or Cajun chicken provide fresher counterpoints later in the day. Desserts such as panna cotta and chocolate torte make a meal easy to extend, and a dedicated children's menu helps mixed-age tables. New Zealand and imported beers, cider, wine and spirits complete a venue equipped for everything from an unhurried brunch to an evening catch-up.
Address: 69 Centaurus Road, Cashmere, Christchurch 8022, New Zealand
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