Summer in Hawkes Bay

During the Summer months, Hawkes Bay is the place to be. The weather is incredible (as I write this it's around 26 degrees and super sunny outside) and there are plenty of places to spend the afternoon basking in the sunshine and warm weather. Summer is the time of year when our local eateries and cafes truly shine, with the abundance of fresh fruit and veggies available to pick and choose from. So in order to help you make the most of the summer months here in HB, I've compiled a list of a few of my absolute favourite places to eat, drink & buy food from during the summer.

Strawberry Patch

I've got to start off with the classic Hawkes Bay favourite - The Strawberry Patch. The Strawberry Patch grow the absolute best strawberries in the Bay as well as make the most delicious real fruit ice creams. My all time favourite has got to be the yoghurt mixed berry in a waffle cone! They also do P.Y.O strawberries which is always a fun way to spend a sunny afternoon.

Craggy Range Terrior Restaurant

Lunch or snacks out in the courtyard at Craggy Range has got to be one of the best ways to relax on a sunny day. The views are honestly stunning and the food, wine and service is equally as good! My current favourites on the menu have to be the spiced cauliflower, the haloumi with burnt honey & beetroot and lastly the chocolate and salted caramel mess if you are feeling like something sweet!

Carr's Kitchen

For a more casual and relaxed atmosphere, definitely check out Carr's Kitchen. Attached to the well known Brave Brewery, Carr's Kitchen creates delicious burgers, tatter tots, hot dogs as well as ice cream sandwiches. The food is really tasty and service is so quick and friendly! Such a groovy looking place and definitely worth visiting.

Summer Growers' Markets at Black Barn 
(Saturdays 9-12am)

Another one of my favourite spots during the summertime is the markets at Black Barn. Starting at the beginning of December and wrapping up at the end of February each year, the markets are a must visit every Saturday morning. Nestled within the vines at the beautiful Black Barn property you'll find an array of different vendors selling all sorts of products from cheese, to bread, to flowers etc. I'd highly recommend checking out the Yabon Bakery stand and the Miram's Chocolate stand.

Hawkes Bay Fruit Shop

A reasonably new addition to the summer food scene is the Hawke's Bay Fruit Shop. The fruit shop is a sort of Summer pop up that joins the scene just before the start of summer each year. They have an ever changing selection of fruit on offer including, peaches, nectarines, apples, strawberries, cherries etc. I'm super spoilt to live about 5 minutes away from this place and have visited a bunch of times already since it opened.

Birdwoods Cafe & Old Fashioned Sweet Shop

Another one of Hawkes Bay's traditional summer favourites for locals is Birdwoods. During the summer months the beautiful old fashioned sweet shop is packed to the brim with people and the ice cream pop up next door is equally as busy. I'd highly recommend the Black Doris Plum ice cream, so yummy! The cafe and art gallery next door is also such a nice spot to relax in the summer months. They have a massive outdoor area with heaps of seating as well as sunroom to dine in. I love the old fashioned lemonade they make, it's absolutely delicious!