I’ve just had a few days down south skiing, but that’s not what I want to talk about … I want to tell you about a great little eatery in Arrowtown. Before I start I have an apology to make.. I was so hungry I forgot to take photos of the food, so you are going to have to believe me that this place is good!

Walking in you would seriously think they ran out of money and they may have, as the fit out is a mish-mash of recycled and reinvented things. Stacks of books hold up table tops, roughly cut pieces of hessian are used for table cloths, old blankets I haven’t seen in 40 years make a good wraps and pots filled with herbs outside. But it’s all part of the fun and atmosphere that locals Fee and Chris Whiting consciously set out to achieve.

With an Asian fusion vibe the food is excellent. We had squid and the most delicious dumplings I have ever eaten, but there is no point hankering after your favourite dish the following week, as the menu changes constantly dictated by the season’s freshest offerings.

The premises are fully licensed and open from 7am to 4pm daily, later on Fridays for ”post-work drinks’, so it’s the perfect place to kick back and have a long lunch.

The venue is also available for private hire and private chefs’ tables.

The Chop Shop Food Merchants
44 Buckingham St
Arrowtown
03-442 1116