16-05-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Man O' War moves in to Arrowtown
Swiftsure by Man O' War officially opened its doors in Arrowtown on Monday. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
A long-established Waiheke winery business has officially expanded to Arrowtown.
Swiftsure by Man O'War, in Arrow Lane, above Buckingham Green, opened to the public on Monday, about 11 months after construction of its new four-level restaurant and bar, which includes outdoor dining spaces with fire places, a 'gin pit', and an internal bar and restaurant.
Built by Queenstown's BTP Construction, with interior design by Swiftsure's creative director Olivia Spencer and Mitchell Addison, Man O' War and Swiftsure hospitality and sales GM Paul Franich says the end result is a relaxing environment, in keeping with Arrowtown's historic feeling.
Man O' War, a family-owned business, has long connections with the Whakatipu, cemented when it purchased an established 5.15-hectare vineyard at Bannockburn, exclusively dedicated to pinot noir — its first vintage from there was produced in 2022.
The business, about 30 years old, also has extensive vineyards on Waiheke Island, and a Marlborough vineyard from which it produces sauvignon blanc.
The new venue, employing about 30 staff, boasts sweeping views across Buckingham St to the hills surrounding Arrowtown, which he describes as "mind-blowing".
"We're very lucky and we feel very privileged to be able to be there and showcase Arrowtown from this [vantage] to everybody."
The kitchen's headed up by Yann Robert, who's formerly worked at Queenstown's Jervois Steak House and Amisfield.
Franich says they're hoping the new venture will appeal to locals and visitors, and help Arrowtown businesses at large.
"I think it's the more the merrier. We want more people to come to that area, to not just come to us, but the local shops, other restaurants ... it's about uplifting the whole region."
Swiftsure's open Monday to Wednesday noon till 4pm, and Thursday till Sunday from noon till late.
