After six weeks with the renovators in, the wraps come off the new look at Christchurch’s The George and 50 Bistro on Friday 4 August. And three events in the next few months give you plenty of excuses to go and check out the changes.

The new exterior cuts a stylish figure on Park Terrace, and there’s a few upgrades inside for 50 Bistro and the accommodation rooms.

Taking pride of place is a beautifully refinished bar made of recycled rimu. The timber came from buildings destroyed in the Christchurch earthquakes of 2010 and 2011.

The George’s accommodation rooms now have walk-in tiled showers. A new corridor carpet has a design reminiscent of a Colin McCahon painting and represents the braided rivers, plains and crop fields of Canterbury.

Events

• In collaboration with WORD Christchurch, enjoy high tea with chef and food writer Sam Mannering. The menu will feature some of Sam’s own recipes from his books Food Worth Making, along with some of The George’s specialities. Sun 27 Aug, 10.30am. Tickets: wordchristchurch.co.nz
• Come September, Hagley Park will be swathed in pink cherry blossom. To celebrate, the cuisine team at The George will present five courses of new-season fare matched with sake from Zenkuro in Queenstown. Zenkuro brewer David Joll will be on hand to talk about the process and flavours of each sake. Sat 9 Sep, 6.30pm.
• After sellout events last year, The Winemakers Series returns. Enjoy wines from Windrush Organic Winery matched with cuisine from the team at The George. Sat 4 Nov, 6.30pm