At Ayrburn, the sprawling hospitality precinct on the outskirts of Arrowtown, nothing is done by halves. The Southland hotspot has quickly become the place to be in the area, and, while we’re never short on reasons to plan a visit — given the locale, winter is when Ayrburn truly comes into its own.
This year, founder Chris Meehan and his clever team have stepped things up a notch — transforming Ayrburn into a spectacular winter wonderland. The precinct’s inaugural mid-winter ‘Christmas Wonderland’ experience has seen the grounds adorned in striking light displays and larger-than-life decorations, with an ice skating rink popping up to fully enliven the white Christmas experience.
There are a number of events taking place across the coming month suited to every age and proclivity — from Après-ski sessions to bespoke brunches to elf hunts and more, here we round up everything taking place at the precinct this July.
Après-ski at Ayrburn
When: Open now until September 22nd, The Manure Room at Ayrburn Bookings:book here
With rousing DJ sets, winter specials, and delicious food, Ayrburn has become the home of Après, inviting slope-goers to round off the day well with daily drink deals from 4pm, food specials to refuel post-exertion, and, come Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, DJs taking to the decks to get the party started.
Christmas Bubbly Brunch
When: The first Saturday of every month, The Woolshed at Ayrburn Bookings:book here
Ayrburn’s Bubbly Brunch Saturdays is an uproarious weekly shindig not to be missed, where the bubbles are flowing, the brunch banquet is exquisite, cocktails are boundless, and donning your best wares is encouraged. Be warned, this event sells out quick, so secure a spot ASAP to get in on the action.
When: In-situ now until the end of July at Ayrburn Bookings:free event
Inspired by the iconic light displays of Oxford Street, Ayrburn’s Christmas Wonderland sees the striking grounds adorned with oversized ornaments, towering Nutcrackers, and festive decorations, lit by spectacular light installations that will transport you to another world. For families planning a visit, there are plenty of activities to keep kids entertained for hours, including elf hunts and many a hot chocolate station.
Ice Skating at Ayrburn
When: Open from the 6th — 23rd of July at The Dell at Ayrburn Bookings:Purchase tickets directly at the rink, or add to your reservation at checkout when booking online in any of Ayrburn’s venues.
Glide across Ayrburn’s enchanting ice rink or watch on the sidelines with a mulled wine or hot chocolate to warm your hands, inspired by the elegance of St. Moritz. For experienced skaters, as well as beginners, this activity is perfect for all ages — bringing a touch of European winter charm to the South.
July is serving up a range of tasty new menus, delicious pop-ups, uproarious parties, new openings and more. So whether you’re an enthusiastic foodie, or are simply wanting to switch up your routine, look no further than our comprehensive July Dining Guide below.
Soul Punch at Soul
Dust off your cowboy hats and pull on your dancin’ boots, because Soul Punch is back on Sunday July 28th with an unmissable, uproarious Soul-style hoedown. Wet your whistle with a glass of Mumm Grand Cordon on arrival, followed by some of the best food this side of Alabama. Revellers will be treated to Southern-inspired cocktails as they dance the day away — with DJs playing boot scootin’ tunes from 12pm-6pm. For $125 per person, you’ll be treated to a three-course menu and glass of Mumm Grand Cordon, plus, the first 24 bottles of Mumm purchased on the day will be upgraded to a magnum. Tickets are on sale now, and we suggest you get in quick, as these events sell out fast.
Secure your spot by calling Soul on 09 356 7249.
Advieh’s On The Fly Menu
This July at Advieh, you can enjoy a delicious three-course feast on the fly, with the eatery introducing a menu designed to get guests in and out within an hour. For a modest $55 per person, diners in a rush can enjoy freshly baked bread with hummus, a light starter, and a tasty main, topped off with a chocolate dessert, all within the hour.
Running from 8pm onwards at select venues within the vibrant SkyCity dining precinct, you’ll find a number of ‘Winter Warmer’ menus, curated to inspire Aucklanders to bundle up and venture out this winter. From Cassia’s famous Tandoori Chicken Taco to a flavourful bowl of scampi miso soup at MASU by Nic Watt, here, you’ll find something to lure even the most winter-adverse diners out of the comfort of home.
SkyCity’s The Sugar Club has unveiled a new menu, inspiring city-siders to make for the Sky Tower’s 53rd floor and while away and evening in culinary bliss overlooking the stunning Hauraki Gulf. Start with fresh bread and smoked butter, followed by Quail Wellington with cumin and sesame or Market Fish with paua, leek, and sea grapes, before moving on to one of the eatery’s delectable desserts. If you’re looking for a recommendation, the Yuzu Pain D’Epices with passionfruit, honey, and cardamon is a delight.
For the intimate dining room’s latest chef-in-residence, Roses’ has called on the expertise of Quentin Ville-Renon, who you’ll usually find on the tools at Margot in Wellington. The clever chef will be taking charge of the kitchen for the month of July, with a focus on low-waste and seasonal dishes — and from what we’ve seen, you don’t want to miss this one.
Kyle Street from Culprit is taking over the kitchen at Bonita
A Fresh New Menu at Bonita
Kyle Street from Culprit is taking over the kitchen at Ellerslie eatery Bonita this July, bringing a fresh perspective to the vibrant spot with his uniquely Kiwi take on Spanish and Mediterranean-inspired share plates. Kyle is crafting a tantalising new menu filled with inventive, tasty fare, and, as always, exceptional drinks will be flowing.
Fresh from an illuminating trip to the Big Apple, Soul’s Executive Chef Gavin Doyle has delved into the melting pot of cuisines that New York is known for and has come up with some exciting new menus that capture the flavour combinations of the city that never sleeps. From timeless classics to innovative twists, each dish is a love letter to the spirit of New York. Discover something new each week as Doyle spotlights a different culinary heritage, bringing you the best of New York’s diverse tastes and encapsulating the essence of this fabulous city’s vibrant food scene. Starting with fresh French flavours, followed by with Asian influences, Italian inspiration, and finally, a celebration of sensational seafood.
There truly is no better way to end the week well than gathering your loved ones for a comforting, hearty feast and a rich glass of red, and one of our favourite neighbourhood eateries happens to be running the ultimate Sunday series — Sìso Slow Sundays. This weekly event offers a curated take on the traditional roast, with a mouthwatering menu of dishes on offer for lunch and dinner that are reminiscent of a meal made at home (although with a decidedly elevated spin).
Bar Magda’s ‘Eat It’ offering, left: Devil’s medicine cocktail. Right: baked celeriac
Celebrate K Rd Restaurant Month at Bar Magda
Bar Magda is getting amongst ‘Eat It’ — K’ Road’s restaurant month, running across July. For $65 per person, discerning diners can indulge in a two-course bespoke set menu and a cocktail or glass of Magda’s fantasy wine (the eatery’s latest release). The first course offers Grilled Chicken and Duck Liver Parfait with Barrys bat parmesan custard and house bread, while the second course sees squid stuffed with crab and prawn, served with plum sweet chilli sauce, baked celeriac, garlic tofu, chilli almonds, and Magda’s signature parsnip crisp. The bespoke menu is available every day but Tuesdays, until the end of July. For every booking made, go into the draw to win another dinner with Bar Magda valued at $300.
If you’re heading to Central Otago for a spot of skiing this winter, then a stop at the iconic Mt Difficulty is a must. This winter, they’re offering a Platter & Pinot special at their spectacular Restaurant & Cellar Door. Enjoy a lavish shared platter for two, featuring a selection of charcuterie, pickled vegetables, olives, dukkah, hummus, sourdough & flatbread, alongside a bottle of Mt Difficulty Bannockburn Pinot Gris for just $110, or swap to their Bannockburn Pinot Noir for $130. The perfect excuse to relax and savour exquisite wine with great company while enjoying the picturesque views across the beautiful Mt Difficulty winery and landscape.
Parisian-inspired restaurant and wine bar Paname Social is celebrating Bastille Day on July 14th in fitting style with their La Table de la Bastille event with Aix Rosé. The lively inner-city spot is bringing an exquisite day of French cuisine to the city, with a mouthwatering 5-course set menu including a glass of Aix Rosé and tasty canapés on arrival, lively entertainment that will keep the vibes high all day long, and the camaraderie of new friends at a grand communal table seating 100. This exclusive event is part of the eatery’s French weekend, which also features a Masquerade party on the evening of July 13th.
Left: Alla Prossima’s newly appointed Executive Chef, Gabriele Marangoni
Alla Prossima Opens in the City
Ex-Pasta & Cuore head chef Gabriele Marangoni has been appointed Executive Chef at an exciting new opening in the city — Alla Prossima, a new restaurant in Nigel McKenna’s Abstract Hotel on Upper Queen Street. Alla Prossima, meaning ‘until next time’, will feature Emiliano-Romangnola Cuisine, bringing something exciting and novel to Auckland’s vibrant dining scene.
Ortolana is hosting a delectable Truffles & Alpha Domus Night this month, featuring special guest winemaker Barry Riwai. Indulge in an evening of exquisite Alpha Domus wines, perfectly paired with decadent Perigord truffles showcased in a menu created by our Head Chef Nathan Chester. There is limited availability for this event, tickets are $160 per person and include a glass of bubbles on arrival, followed by four Truffle-inspired courses with matched wines.
Check into your own chic Champagne chalet room at the QT Queenstown
QT Queenstown’s Champagne Parlour Returns
QT Queenstown has brought back The Champagne Parlour just in time for the snow season. Set for sparkling dreams and rosé themes, The Champagne Parlour has been designed in collaboration with New Zealand creative, Evie Kemp, and in partnership with G.H. Mumm. For two months only, guests can check into their own chic Champagne chalet room at the design-led hotel, set amidst the picturesque snowy landscape of New Zealand’s majestic Southern Alps.
Taking place on July 26th and 27th at the Viaduct Events Centre, Winetopia offers an in-depth exploration of the world of New Zealand wine. Celebrating the richness and diversity of our country’s vineyards, here, you’ll find a selection of Aotearoa’s best wineries and pop-up eateries, with a diverse mix sure to satisfy every taste and proclivity.
Flame-grilled, sensationally seasoned, and perfectly paired with a winter-warming red — Esther’s Steak Night is carnivorous dining at its finest. Masters of the grill, Chef Sean Connolly and Executive Chef James Laird know a thing or two about a good steak. Fired by Sean’s passion for sourcing the best beef in the world, Esther has crafted a menu of epic proportions, 4-courses, available only on Tuesdays. Begin with two of Sean’s iconic dishes, Yorkshire pudding and steak tartare, followed by Lake Ohau wagyu rib eye drizzled in red wine jus with duck fat roast potatoes and grandma’s carrots. Finish with a flaming crêpes suzette crafted tableside. This delectable offering is $130 per person, and available on Tuesdays from 5.30pm across July.
Local matcha purveyors, Matcha Made, are tapping into the tasty trend sweeping the globe — Strawberry Matcha, launching a strawberry-infused iteration of its organic Japanese ceremonial grade matcha this month — sourced sustainably from Uji, Kyoto. Pop into Daily Bread or Williams to get your matcha fix, or grab a tin for home from Superette in Commercial Bay.
Winter needn’t mean completely foregoing the joys of entertaining outdoors. Create cohesion between interconnected indoor and outdoor areas, treating terraces and decks as an extension of your living area, via a seasonal update. Tactile rugs and soft seating, along with the addition of design-led lighting and heating will make for a comforting exterior respite, meaning all that’s left to do is throw open the doors (and crank up the heating).
Taking the edge off this cold and rainy weather is the plethora of fascinating, fulfilling and immersive cultural experiences on offer in Auckland this month. From photographic exhibitions to enticing events, comedy, dance, live music, and more, our July Culture Guide is here to detail everything you need to attend or book tickets to over the month ahead.
one of the most celebrated voices in entertainment, Chelsea Handler
Chelsea Handler
When:Friday July 5th, Auckland Town Hall & Saturday July 6th, Wellington’s St. James Theatre Tickets:book here
Grammy-nominated comedian, television host, New York Times best-selling author and advocate Chelsea Handler is one of the most celebrated voices in entertainment and pop culture, thanks to her unapologetic humour, candour and impossibly quick wit. Now, Kiwis will have the opportunity to experience all of this and more in the flesh, with two shows across Auckland and Wellington this winter. Don’t miss this chance to witness one of the true comedy maestros in action.
Fighting, Not Sinking by photographer Eddie Jim will be featured at the ever-captivating World Press Photo Exhibition
World Press Photo Exhibition
When:Saturday July 20th until Sunday 11th August, Smith & Caughey’s Queen Street Tickets:book here
The ever-captivating World Press Photo Exhibition is set to take place once again, running from the 20 July — 11 August at Smith & Caughey’s Queen Street. This extraordinary event is a haven for discerning photography connoisseurs, offering an immersive journey through the lenses of gifted photojournalists and providing an awe-inspiring display of the most exceptional images, meticulously handpicked from over 60,000 global entries. Not only will you be captivated by the unparalleled storytelling on display, but all profits from the Auckland event go directly to charitable endeavors, giving us all the more reason to make the effort.
Atlanta singer-songwriter Teddy Swims
Teddy Swims
When:Saturday July 6th & Sunday July 7th, various locations across Auckland & Wellington Tickets:book here
After capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide, vocal powerhouse and Atlanta singer-songwriter Teddy Swims is making a much-anticipated return to New Zealand, bringing his I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy tour to our shores. Swims, along with his exceptional band Freak Freely, will deliver an unforgettable set of performances that bring to life the depth and heart of his latest release.
Mercedes College Select Choir performing
World Choir Games 2024
When:Wednesday July 10th — Saturday July 20th, various locations Tickets:book here
The 2024 World Choir Games is taking place in Auckland, bringing together 11,000 participants from 30+ countries for a celebration of global unity through song. Featuring competitions, concerts, and workshops, the event promises an unforgettable cultural exchange.
One of the UK’s biggest comedy stars, Mo Gilligan
Mo Gilligan
When:Tuesday July 16th, SkyCity Theatre, Auckland Tickets:book here
One of the UK’s biggest comedy stars, Mo Gilligan, is bringing his highly anticipated In The Moment world tour to New Zealand this winter, with the triple BAFTA winner set to deliver a show of side-splitting stand-up as only he can. Best-known for his observational comedy and high-energy performances (and, let’s be honest, dazzling good looks), Gillian riffs on humble beginnings, family dynamics, and more, with hilarity and heart.
Juliet Carpenter is nominated for The Walters Prize, for her innovative film installation EGOLANE, 2022. Photo by Ivan Murzin.
The Walters Prize at Auckland Art Gallery
When:Saturday 6th July — Sunday 20th October, Auckland Art Gallery Tickets:free exhibition
The Walters Prize is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest and most prestigious contemporary art award. Established in 2002 and now in its 11th iteration, the prize showcases and promotes contemporary art, and has, since its inception, shaped emergent discussion about contemporary New Zealand art. The Walters Prize 2024 marks the first iteration of the award in its new triennial format. As part of the prize, the Gallery presents an exhibition by four artists who have been nominated by an independent jury for their outstanding contribution to contemporary art in Aotearoa New Zealand. The four finalists for the Walters Prize 2024 are Juliet Carpenter, Owen Connors, Brett Graham and Ana Iti. Works by the finalists will be on display in a free exhibition at the Gallery.
Auckland Art Gallery’s Aotearoa Contemporary exhibition, featuring Xin Ji, Doco Dance, 2024, digital video. Photo by Teng Long.
Aotearoa Contemporary at Auckland Art Gallery
When:Saturday 6th July — Sunday 20th October, Auckland Art Gallery Tickets:free exhibition
Running alongside The Walters Prize exhibition, and presented by Principal Partner Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Aotearoa Contemporary offers a platform for new art and ideas in Aotearoa New Zealand. Set to occur every three years at the Gallery, Aotearoa Contemporary will cultivate a new generation of artistic voices, providing a showcase for what is new and current in Aotearoa New Zealand’s diverse cultural environment with its dynamic history of contemporary art. Featuring 27 artists and 22 new compelling projects, the exhibition includes a range of different mediums and new art practices such as painting, textiles, sculpture, ceramics, photography, and a programme of new choreographed performances.
Our Own Little Mess at Q Theatre
When:Wednesday 24th July — Saturday 3rd August, Q Theatre, Auckland Tickets:book here
Our Own Little Mess is a genre-bending live performance and immersive audio adventure colliding multiple realities in magical ways. Follow the sprawling and seemingly unconnected lives of five characters as they navigate life’s big mysteries, from Wellington and Auckland to New York and Beijing. A celebration of the beauty of the mundane as well as the unknowable mysteries of the human inner voice, this captivating performance is a study in the ways we are simultaneously more atomised and interconnected than ever.
Ed Byrne is returning to New Zealand with his brand-new solo show
Ed Byrne: Tragedy Plus Time
When:Thursday 25th July — Saturday 17th August, various locations country-wide Tickets:book here
Following a slew of five-star reviews and critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe, Ed Byrne is returning to New Zealand with his brand-new solo show, Tragedy Plus Time. Named for the quote attributed to Mark Twain, humour is defined as Tragedy Plus Time, in his latest show one of Ireland’s most-loved household names tests that formula by mining the most tragic event in his life for laughs. With legions of fans both in Ireland and abroad, Ed remains the observational stand-up to see.
Ka Mua Ka Muri by Atamira Dance Company
Atamira Dance Company presents Ka Mua Ka Muri
When:Thursday 25th July — Saturday 27th July, Q Theatre, Auckland Tickets:book here
Atamira Dance Company encompasses and uplifts the voices of acclaimed choreographers and long-time collaborators, Bianca Hyslop and Eddie Elliott in this unique and powerful double bill Ka Mua Ka Muri. Derived from and inspired by the whakataukī ‘kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua’, Ka Mua Ka Murirelates to Māori perspectives of time where the past, present and the future are intertwined,offering a contemporary dance experience that explores both the significance of whakapapa while defining new aspirations for the future.
Husband-and-wife duo Sid and Chand Sahrawat are stalwarts on Auckland’s dining scene — their contemporary Indian eatery, Cassia, loved city-wide for its vibrant fare and lively atmosphere. Opening on Fort Lane in 2014, Cassia was born from Sid and Chand’s desire to share the food they cooked at home surrounded by family. As such, the inspiration for the eatery was the traditional dishes of Sid’s childhood fused with Chand’s delicious home-cooked curries, and while Sid’s professional experience had been predominantly with European Cuisine, the pair saw an opportunity to show New Zealand how spectacular and complex Indian cuisine could be.
Cassia’s Fort Lane eatery (2014 – 2023)
Cassia instantly solidified itself as one of the city’s go-to dining destinations, with a menu that encapsulates Sid’s signature modern Indian fare, marrying classic, crowd-pleasing favourites with inventive dishes sure to satisfy.
Cassia operated on Fort Lane for close to nine years before the eatery suffered at the hands of a number of unfortunate weather events forcing its closure multiple times. The Sahrawats finally made the call to close the Fort Lane address, and reopen with a brand new lease on life on Federal Street at SkyCity in 2023 — a location that feels like it was always meant to be. The SkyCity precinct is a location dedicated to the very best in global gastronomy, where Cassia, dedicated to serving modern Indian with a Kiwi slant, sits alongside the traditional flavours of the Pacific in Michael Meredith’s Metita, elevated Japanese cuisine at MASU by Nic Watt, classic American deli eats at Al Brown’s Fed Deli, and the finest Chinese dining experience at Huami.
Cassia on Federal Street at SkyCity
The ‘new Cassia’, much like its predecessor, enlivens the concept of ‘Agni’ (fire, light and warmth), offering an intimate, cosy, and chic mix of dim lighting, vibrant artwork, and comfortable corners to settle in for an exceptional culinary experience.
As Cassia marks 10 years in business, the Sahrawats are celebrating in fitting fashion, with an unmissable event celebrating Indian flavours and modern techniques, reflecting the journey of Cassia over the last 10 years. The celebration will see Cassia’s first chef, and now-owner of Sidart, Lesley Chandra, join Sid in the kitchen to craft a bespoke menu bringing together the best of Cassia — from 2014 until today. “Lesley was our first head chef when we started Cassia in 2014 and helped shape the vision,” Sid and Chand tell us, “So it was only fitting that we bring him back to celebrate a decade of Cassia with our incredible guests.”
Cassia’s Bollywood Nights set menu
The one night only event, taking place on Thursday July 18th from 5pm, will take diners on an enticing journey through the last decade of Cassia — with 10 bespoke dishes (marking 10 years of Cassia) and beverage matches, all expertly crafted by Sid and Lesley to bring the essence of the eatery to life. Here, you can expect to find the likes of flavourful Pork Vindaloo Fritters, delicate Wagyu Tartare with spiced beetroot, truffle emulsion, and green chilli, and the duo’s delectable Hawke’s Bay Lamb Chops served with chapli kebab and a dry korma, as well as an unmissable dessert marrying dark chocolate with fresh mango, coconut, and honey. Tickets are $195 per person, and include 10 bespoke dishes and beverage pairings.
Left: Cassia’s Bollywood Nights set menu. Right: Sid Sahrawat
As Cassia marks this milestone it’s evident that, despite being in business for a decade, this is just the beginning. With Sid in the kitchen creating culinary magic, and Chand on the floor ensuring the very best experience for those visiting, Cassia offers an unmatched dining experience in the heart of the city — and, based on the last decade, we’re certain that the Sahrawats still have a trick or two up their sleeves.
If you’ve not yet visited what is being touted as New Zealand’s finest new hospitality precinct — Ayrburn, located in Central Otago’s Arrowtown region — then given that ski season is upon us, you have no excuse. The sprawling rural precinct, part of Winton’s ever-expanding portfolio of exceptional developments, features three restaurants, two bars, a gelateria, and a private members club, along with a number of exceptional event venues. It also offered itself as the impeccable backdrop of this issue’s cover shoot with Hollywood rising star Jess Hong. To help you navigate the expansive offerings, we’ve devised a situational guide for your next visit.
The Woolshed, photographed by Anson Smart
For a long lunch or dinner with the family and/or friends…
The Woolshed is the place to be — Ayrburn’s casual, bistro-style eatery that promises day-to-night fare that the whole family will enjoy wholeheartedly. Here, the philosophy is simple: quality reigns supreme, which means you’ll find delicious, uncomplicated food that is utterly enjoyable, served in a classically elegant setting. The menu caters to everyone, from Roman-style stone-baked pizzas, typically Southern shoestring fries with chicken salt, and The Woolshed cheeseburger for the kids, to exceptional sharing plates and hearty, comforting dishes that utilise the finest meats from nearby farms, freshly caught fish and seasonal seafood, and the freshest local produce on offer, for, well, everyone else.
The Burr Bar, photographed by Anson Smart
For a rowdy après ski session…
Post a taxing day on the slopes, all one really craves is a cosy spot in which to take the edge off (and dull the aches and pains), and to fill your stomach after a day of physical exertion. At Ayrburn’s quietly luxurious (but unapologetically convivial) watering hole, The Burr Bar, you’ll find both. Capture the last of the day’s sun on the terrace, warmed by the enormous fire, or head inside to original historic stone walls adorned with metal and wooden shelving packed with all manner of libations, and of course, given Ayrburn’s impeccable culinary team, utterly divine (and yes, comforting) food — expertly crafted to pair with the drinks on offer. From lamb and pork meatballs with shaved Grana Padano, to green olive, anchovy and guindilla pepper gildas, to crisp artichoke with romesco, pickled shallots and cheddar, and much, more. There’s something to compliment anything you opt to imbibe. And trust us, the options are plentiful.
The Manure Room, right image photographed by Anson Smart
For a wine flight, leisurely aperitivo, or late night drink…
Touted (by Ayrburn) as the perfect place to “Drink some wine and talk some sh*t.” The Manure Room — Ayrburn’s atmospheric wine bar and tasting room, is the place to go to do just that. Here, guests are invited to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of Ayrburn wine. A space perfectly suited to enjoying a leisurely afternoon with friends over a flight of wine, or to enjoy a few (too many) exceptional cocktails and a spread of delectable fare, The Manure Room’s cosy, sumptuous space makes settling in for the afternoon far too easy. Or, if the sun’s out, there’s nowhere else to be but on the sprawling deck out front, perfectly positioned to take in the stunning surrounds while enjoying a taste of the local landscape via the curated wine flights on offer. The Manure Room’s inventive menu couldn’t be more perfectly suited to the vibe and location, where tasting plates and boards of cured meats are available alongside delectable morsels such as oysters with Ayrburn rosé jelly, chicken liver pâté on brioche served with caramelised onion and chive, and classic beef tartare with bloody mary dressing and crisp potato.
The Barrel Room
For a spectacular dinner with your finest companions…
Transport yourself into sumptuous surroundings at Ayrburn’s intimate bar and restaurant, The Barrel Room. Here, stepping inside feels like entering a hidden world — the entrance features a velvet festooned bar complete with a grand piano just begging to be played, while further back, the dining room is lined with 56 ageing wine barrels, setting the stage for the unique ambience. The impeccably curated interior marries cosy, thoughtful design with a sense of unparalleled privacy and sophistication. The Barrel Room is perfect for any occasion; and can also be booked for private events with the ability to host up to 50 guests for intimate, seated, candle-lit soirees, or many more for lively late-night gatherings, and everything in between.
The Dairy
Let the kids entertain themselves as you while the afternoon away…
With numerous areas for children to explore and play free range across Ayrburn’s play areas and grounds, The Dairy also offers hand-churned ice cream and real New Zealand milkshakes. Providing a welcome reprieve for adults enjoying a leisurely lunch.
When it was announced that there was to be a changing of the guard at Gucci, the spotlight fell quickly on Sabato de Sarno. Relatively unknown in the fashion world, yet with impeccable credentials, his fresh vision is ushering in an exciting new era for the iconic Italian house.
It’s hard to think back to a time before the reign of Alessandro Michele at Gucci. So impactful was the way in which he fused the brand’s signatures with a more modern, maximalist aesthetic. In fact, under Michele’s stewardship, Gucci’s revenue almost tripled from €3.9bn in 2015 to €9.7bn in 2021 and the brand regularly made headlines for its thought-provoking runways and gender-fluid collections. So, in 2022, when Michele exited the role that had made him a household name, there was a big question mark over who would be stepping into his shoes, and how that person would usher in the next phase of Gucci’s evolution.
Sabato de Sarno overseeing a fitting in Gucci’s headquarters
While Michele was universally praised for broadening Gucci’s appeal (by focusing on inclusivity in his runways, for instance, and creating collections whose hype spoke to a whole new customer), his was an eclectic vision that departed somewhat from the history of timeless luxury on which Gucci’s reputation had been built. And eventually, there came a sense that, despite Michele’s undeniable genius, the brand had to change in order to continue on its path of impressive growth. For Kering that meant hiring a designer that could reconnect Gucci with its heritage and open the brand up to a deeper luxury market — enter Sabato de Sarno.
“The new era of Gucci, it seems, is all about an appreciation for the smaller details and a sensibility that is distinctly Italian.”
Among the many names that fashion commentators predicted as Michele’s potential successor, De Sarno’s was not, generally speaking, one. But with impressive credentials including graduating from Milan’s Istituto Secoli, stints at Prada and Dolce & Gabbana, and a longstanding role as Pierpaolo Piccioli’s right-hand man at Valentino (working as the Fashion Director of the brand’s men’s and women’s ready-to-wear), De Sarno was a respected, behind-the-scenes force in the fashion community. For Gucci, De Sarno’s appointment presented the opportunity to reimagine house codes with a more sensual, contemporary and ultimately wearable spin. And after all, this wasn’t the first time that Gucci had put their faith in a relative unknown (Michele himself was pulled from obscurity for the Creative Director role, and went on to do truly great things for the brand).
Travelling trunk show for Ancora
You only have to look at De Sarno’s debut collection for Gucci (unveiled last September in Milan) to see the significant shift he is perpetuating. Where Michele’s Gucci was camp and costume-like, with clothes that elicited wonder and created an eccentric uniform for followers of the brand, De Sarno’s is grounded in craft, quality and cut. The air of eclectic extravagance that underpinned Michele’s tenure has been replaced by a clear mandate of wearability, sensuality and ‘Italianity’ under De Sarno, who wants to dress his customers for everyday life: for going to work or going on dates or going out. The new era of Gucci, it seems, is all about an appreciation for the smaller details and a sensibility that is distinctly Italian. In essence, it plays into the ‘quiet luxury’ trend that has seen fashion consumers choose understated over opulent, simple quality over loud logos. Although De Sarno himself would point out that you need only look closely at his designs to see that the ‘luxury’ isn’t so quiet after all. It exists in every stitch and every sleek silhouette, each piece a carefully-constructed expression of craftsmanship and design. Speaking with Vogue last year, De Sarno said, “[Gucci is] a very Italian brand with a huge heritage. Italian in craftsmanship, Italian in taste, and we lost that I think. I want to bring it back. Italianity is part of my story for sure.”
Gucci Women’s Fall ’24 Collection
In De Sarno’s debut collection for Spring Summer 2024, titled ‘Ancora’, the designer was quick to showcase his distinct direction. Not only did he separate his womenswear and menswear shows (the two were combined by his predecessor) but the former was a sensual ode to Italian style, where ultra miniskirts and seemingly simple tank tops met expertly-cut overcoats, timeless tailoring, platform-high iterations of the classic Gucci loafer and plenty of pieces rendered in what many were calling the colour of the season — Gucci Rosso, or ‘Ancora’ red (a deep crimson that spoke clearly to the history of the brand). On the surface, De Sarno’s Gucci feels a simplification, but in reality, it is the result of meticulous engineering, with no detail left to chance. “My overcoat has a shape that is the result of a curating process,” De Sarno said in an interview earlier this year. “We tested it and we chose for wearability,” referring to how he studied the textile in depth with his fabric suppliers. “At the end you see a grey coat,” he continues, “but it’s a little more than a grey coat.”
Gucci Women’s Fall ’24 Collection
“De Sarno himself would point out that you need only look closely at his designs to see that the ‘luxury’ isn’t so quiet after all. It exists in every stitch and every sleek silhouette…”
In his menswear collection for Fall 2024, De Sarno continued to build on this pragmatic design language, creating clothes that married sharp, simple silhouettes with glamorous details. Here, clean-cut suiting sat alongside unbuttoned satin shirts, chunky knitwear, elegant outerwear and touches of sparkle that only hinted at the opulence of old. In the show notes, the designer said, “It’s a story of joy, of life, of passion, of humanity, of people, of real life, of irreverent glamour, of provocation, of confidence, of simplicity, of immediate feelings and emotions, of a specific type of art, of words.”
Gucci Men’s Fall ’24 Collection
De Sarno deciding to give both his women’s and menswear collections the titles of ‘Ancora’ is important. Meaning ‘again’ in Italian, this word points to the designer’s overarching manifesto of exploring and expressing Gucci’s heritage through a fresh lens, and of opening the brand up to a new luxury customer.
Already achieving widespread acclaim for his simple but subversive approach that breaks the rules in a wonderfully understated way, De Sarno is fast becoming known as a contemporary designer who truly recognises what people want to wear. And as his collections seem to get better with every season, it will be interesting to observe how his unique design language impacts the Gucci legacy long into the future.
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