Harlequin Public House brings history full circle

On the 1890s site of the Junction Hotel in central Christchurch, a new public house has made its home.

On Wednesday 14 August, Harlequin Public House on the corner of Salisbury and Montreal Streets, will open its doors to invited guests (from 6-8pm) and then the public (from 8pm for drinks and nibbles), to celebrate the end of one journey and the beginning of another.

After losing their restaurant and livelihood in the February 2011 earthquake, Chef Jonny Schwass and his team have worked hard to get back up running again as soon as possible.

The majority of the original team has remained in the city, a testament Schwass says, to how important the Christchurch is to them.

"We love this city. It’s been broken and we need to help fix it and get on with things. We all love good food and making sure people have a great experience, and Christchurch is a great place to do that," he says.

Harlequin Public House will offer "a full sensory experience" says Schwass.

"Think the 1920s in Europe, the speakeasy and all that went with that time. The food, the ambience, the cocktails, the staff; Harlequin will be eclectic, fresh and exciting," he says.

Restaurant Schwass, which was lost in the February quake, was all about promoting high quality local organic produce and whereas Harlequin will continue to do this, introducing people to what’s outside Canterbury is more of a focus this time.

Original maître d’hôtel (maître d’), Frederic Fleury is back on deck, with beverage director (Toby Eaton) who is a drinks expert with a practiced knowledge in the art of cocktails.

It’s been an interesting journey for Schwass and his team over the last two and a half years since they lost the Ferry Road "Restaurant Schwass". There was "Schwass in a Box" (private dinners catered in a local warehouse), the Charcoal Relief Unit (a huge BBQ which still operates around Christchurch), private catering, and trips around the country doing food demonstrations.

Now the Schwass family has a home and are looking Inside Harlequin Public House there is an Oyster and Champagne Bar, a 50-seat bistro for dining, a 1920s style cocktail lounge and a private dining area for smaller occasions such as tastings and special degustation events.

Harlequin Public House will be open 7 days a week, the restaurant from 11am-3pm & 5pm-11pm, and the bar until 1am. No booking required. www.hphchch.com Phone (03) 377 8669

Open for dinner from Thursday 15 August. Invitation only Wednesday 14th Aug for 6pm-8pm and then open to the public from 8pm for drinks and nibbles.