• 4
• Hotel restaurant with non-disappointing vegan meal

We came here for a special treat on Christmas Day, and given that the set meal was $70 a head, we had high expectations. Generally, I was not disappointed: service was very good and food was nice, if in 'dainty' portions. First of five courses was the spinach and artichoke dip: absolutely delicious with kumara crackers, and a great start. The pumpkin beignets were nice, particularly since I'm not a pumpkin fan, but not as exciting. Bang in the middle was a mandarin sorbet, very sweet for the middle of the meal (too much for me), but no doubt intended to 'cleanse the palate' The main was mushroom mince with asparagus and potato. Being diplomatic I'd say the flavour was 'very subtle' and I could only just taste the avocado wasabi. Dessert was blackcurrant sorbet with berries and an apple elderflower sauce: creamy, fruity and...flowery. I'm often disappointed when hotels attempt to provide vegan options, but this was a quality, if not perfect, vegan option, with thought and work invested in it.