Olivers

A place to relax, sip and savour the best of Central Otago, Olivers is one of Clyde’s most celebrated destinations. Home to a collection of luxurious experiences, one would be perfectly content to spend their entire day in the comfort of these historic grounds.

In 2010, David and Andrea Ritchie took over this historic site, restoring eight stone buildings that date back to the 1860s. Today, it offers boutique accommodation, an award-winning restaurant, a cafe with a bakery and deli, and their very own brewery. 

Let’s start you off with a coffee, shall we? Open from 7.30am every morning, Merchant of Clyde is a godsend for both locals and visitors who need a quality brew with a good caffeine kick before their day’s adventure. On top of a rustic yet refined breakfast and lunch menu, the countertops and cabinets are laden with freshly baked bread, pastries and slices, as well as vibrant salads and filled rolls. A light and spacious dining room offers plenty of seating, with a lush courtyard that transforms into an orange frenzy of apricot trees in summer. The cafe also operates as a specialty grocery store, with shelves of artisan goods and deli items stocking local cheeses, Otago honey, Merchant’s very own range of relishes, chutneys and preserves, and much more.

Return in the evening for dinner and you will be rewarded with a high-end bistro experience, where dishes receive a good dose of decadence while maintaining a steadfast focus on fresh, seasonal and local ingredients. Think confit duck and truffle mash by the roaring fireplace in winter and lamb with wild garlic and watercress pesto under a ceiling of stars in the courtyard during summer. A carefully selected wine list celebrates Central Otago, but we can’t go past a craft beer from Victoria Store Brewery, brewed in the very same space. 

With charming stone floors and arched walls, it’s evident Olivers Restaurant is rich in history. Make sure you take note of the bar-front, an original feature from the 1869 store, and the framed 1830s copper etchings that were found in the ceiling during the restoration process. 

The best part about Olivers is that a great night’s sleep is just a few metres away from your dinner table. David and Andrea have lovingly converted five stables into tranquil and tastefully decorated rooms, with a historic lodge made up of six elegant bedrooms exuding old-world charm. All rooms have ensuites (some even have a clawfoot bathtub in the main bedroom) and a fresh, baked breakfast is served each morning.