Smoke Restaurant, Ashburton

Ashburton's Smoke restaurant is a carnivore's haven specialising in American low and slow barbeque. The barn-like warehouse turned restaurant, with its steampunk-inspired bar, is a fitting setting for the feed style dished up here. The rustic, industrial feel is cosy and down to earth, making Smoke a spot where anyone will feel comfortable.

Three locally made smokers churn throughout the day across two sites and cook tonnes of meat each month. The show's stars are brisket, pork and lamb, with buttermilk fried chicken, another favourite of the crowds. 

Thirteen taps run with a wide selection of classics and craft beers that work a treat in quenching thirst or washing down your dinner. Appropriately, there's also a large range of quality whisky and bourbon, and the bar staff also whip up some decent cocktails. 

On sunny days, the huge deck with plenty of seating and sunshine is the place to be. A covered area works a treat on not-so-sunny days, too. 

An onsite butchery guarantees the freshness of meat used at Smoke, and a few carcasses hang in full view of the restaurant behind glass. You can walk through to the butchery from the restaurant and grab something to take home with you – or you can just pop into the butchery from the street over.

Those throwing a party of one kind or another will be glad to know that Smoke also has a mobile smoker that can be booked for off-site catering.