Bannockburn Hotel

Just over the bridge from Cromwell, Bannockburn Hotel perches on a hilltop overlooking lush vines and a stunning mountain range. From the outside, the building’s heritage is evident as a historic pub dating back to 1862 – but as soon as you step inside, it’s obvious this venue has come a (very) long way since.

While the restaurant facade will be familiar to long-standing locals, the interior has undergone a major transformation to fit with a new modern food and wine offering. The elegant but rustic lounge area is filled with leather couches, a roaring fireplace and luxurious wool blankets to keep the chill off in winter. This space flows into a contemporary dining room next door, with large windows giving the landscape plenty of opportunities to show off. In summer, the retractable doors open right out and the lawn is filled with guests enjoying a leisurely lunch or sunset dinner.

Anna and Andy Mackintosh have been the proprietors of Bannockburn Hotel since 2016, moving from Melbourne to create some magic in a small town setting. The updated restaurant is inspired by the couple’s rich history of travel, having lived and worked in Europe and Latin America. Chef Andy spent the earlier years of his life touring with bands and subsequently eating his way around the world – an unexpected training course for a new vocation in food. It was Spain that really ignited Andy’s passion in the kitchen, and he has found a dream team between the tapas concept and local Otago produce.

The small plates are designed to share between two, and work well on their own or in combination with any other tapas dish. Things change seasonally, but beetroot tarte tatin, baked provoleta cheese with Cromwell chorizo, and fish croquetas give you a sense of the culinary calibre. Before picking up your knife and fork, we recommend factoring in some extra time with the wine list, which features over 200 bottles and around 60 wines available by the full or half glass (perfect for those wanting to try a few different drops). There’s appearances from Central Otago, New Zealand, and international wine regions for those needing a break from the popular pinots.

Anna and Andy have clearly nailed the food and drink offering, but it’s the service that really solidifies Bannockburn Hotel as a must-visit destination. There is an unwavering focus on looking after people and making sure everyone feels welcomed. It’s the sort of place you leave feeling uplifted, turn to your friends on the drive home and say “let’s do that again soon”.