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Check out some of the top spots to grab delicious noodles!

Garden Place Noodle Bar
Location: 21 Worley Place, Hamilton Central
Signature dish: Hand-pulled Lamzhau beef noodles & Belt noodles with chilli sauce

Sichuan Style Restaurant
Location: 24 Collingwood Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton
Signature dish: Noodle soup with beef brisket

Saigon Noon
Location: 103 Alexandra Street, Hamilton Central
Signature dish: Noodle Soup - Pho

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Whether you are looking for a place to unwind after work or a spot to enjoy a long lunch with friends, The Mercury Room offers a unique and enjoyable experience.

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Known for their long lunch where you can enjoy a delicious platter of food for two hours, with options for a bottomless experience. They offer three different time slots: 2-4pm, 5-7pm, and 8-10pm or join one of their quiz nights and test your wits while enjoying great food and drinks.

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Garden Place Noodle Bar not only has noodles in its name, but it also makes them by hand, from scratch, and thumps them into shape right in front of your eyes.

.HELLO ROSIE - 9A Casabella Lane

The food caravan with a cult following in the BOP grew up and turned into a bricks and mortar eatery in Casabella Lane. Hello Rosie will defy what you think vegan food is and should be, with a cabinet of the most tempting sweet treats and a menu packed with all-time favourites like their macn cheese bites or the Rosie burger, a vegan twist on a Big Mac.

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THE VEGAN BUFFET - 645 Victoria St

This vegan institution in Hamilton, which was once on Ward Street, recently moved to Victoria Street. While still 100% vegan it is no longer a buffet, but perhaps changing location and the name would be too much for this secret local eatery. Fresh, healthy and delicious dishes at a reasonable price along with the friendly service are what have kept The Vegan Buffet a cult favourite.

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BEEJI DHABA - 587 Victoria St

Serving authentic North Indian dishes made from fresh ingredients, Beji Dhaba’s extensive menu is 100% vegetarian, with many being vegan. Dhabas in India are

traditional roadside stalls or restaurants serving heartyfare for travellers and truck drivers, so the menu has a big focus on famous North Indian street food.

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ANN FERN - 9 Knox St

This small espresso shop in the foyer of South Bloc offices has an array of toasties, soup, and sweet treats (all with vegan options).

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BÁNH MÌ CÀPHÊ - Riverbank Lane, 298 Victoria St

This trendy Vietnamese joint that spills out onto Victoria on the River offers a complete vegan menu. You’ll find rice paper and spring rolls along with their famous Bánh Mi

in two flavours, not to mention salad, noodles, curry and pudding.

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BAMBOO SWEETS - Casabella Lane

One of the new kids on the block (or down the lane), but well worth seeking out for their boutique handmade chocolates.

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THEOBROMA CHOCOLATE LOUNGE - Bryce Street entrance, Centre Place

From hot chocolates to handmade chocolates, every sweet tooth is satisfied.

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GONG CHA - 11 Worley Place

Forget bubble tea, you need to try bubble waffles! Direct from Hong Kong, a rich warm waffle is wrapped around ice-cream and decadent toppings.

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LA PROMESSE BAKE HOUSE - 5 Ward Street
For the best sweet pastries in town.

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CREAM - 14 Garden Place
For truly tempting treats, from doughnuts and cinnamon rolls to decadent slices.

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KOPI, RIVERBANK LANE - 298 Victoria Street
Not just great coffee, apparently the brownie is the best in town.

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LE RENDEZ-VOUS - 113 Alexandra Street

Didn't make it to the Paris Olympics? No problem, Le Rendez-Vous have a crépe-load of tempting French treats.

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DOT & WINNIES - 127 Alexandra Street
Yoyo, listen up, Dot and Winnies make the best melting moments in town.

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SNOWTOWN - 104 Alexandra Street
Dessert like you have never tasted it. But why wait until dessert time. They're open from noon Tuesday to Sunday.

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MARKYLES CAFÉ - Hood Street
For the best custard squares around.

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RAZZLE DAZZLE CAKES - 148 Ward Street
Sometimes the answer is cupcakes.

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As Hamilton’s first mini putt bar, it offers a unique twist on traditional golfing, inviting guests to enjoy themed courses while sipping on creative cocktails and local craft beers.

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Tipsy Putt features nine movie-themed holes, each designed to immerse players in a playful and engaging environment. From a “Jurassic Park” obstacle with a mini T-Rex to a “Wizard of Oz” section bursting with colour, the imaginative designs enhance the golfing experience. With plans to add another nine holes, the excitement is set to grow even more.

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There are ample food and beverage options available at "The Club House" bar, including burgers, pizzas, and loaded snacks. The drinks menu is equally enticing, featuring specialty cocktails, five tap beers, wines, RTD's and non-alcoholic choices, catering to all preferences.

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The store is manager Sharyn Cawood’s fifth op shop after creating four stores in the past for Hospice Waikato. The Op Shop for Breast Cancer has been running since Covid.

Clinical researcher Jenni Scarlet, (“who we’re doing all of this for,” says Cawood), called Cawood during Covid, and said a new charity store would be helpful for funding clinical trials.

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One of the great benefits of the central city is the vast number of experiences on offer and there is no better one than the annual central city progressive dinner.

This exciting event is the opportunity for the public to enjoy the traditional progressive dinner model with a vibrant and exciting twist in the big city. With five restaurants on offer – each providing a meal course with a matching drink – this is a fantastic way to enjoy some of the central city’s best restaurants all in one evening.

One of the joys in exploring a city is finding spaces and places that appear off the main streets, often characterised as laneways.

Casabella Lane and Racquet Lane were described in my last column but Hamilton’s central city boasts two others that are also worthy of exploration: Bucks Way also off Barton St, and Riverbank Lane off Victoria St.Bucks Way is a laneway between Barton and Victoria streets alongside the Wilson’s car park, which is also home to the food truck markets on a Friday night.Bucks Way has a tenancy that is famous in the central city – Rocket Coffee.

Prepare for a magical experience with Stories in the Garden on November 9 and 23 from 10-11am in Garden Place. This enchanting hour of storytelling and games, hosted by characters from Enchanted Entertainment, is sure to ignite the imagination of children and adults alike. Don’t miss this chance for a story time adventure. For all the details, check out our event listing here.

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The annual Yamaha Rollo’s Marine Bridge to Bridge, takes place from November 8 to 10 on the mighty Waikato River from Grantham St. This thrilling event celebrates its 40th year and promises an adrenaline-packed adventure as water ski racers tackle the breathtaking course. It’s a must-see for thrill-seekers and families alike. For all the details, check out our event listing here.

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When it comes to looking for culinary delights from around the world, the north end of Victoria St does not disappoint. There is a mix of international cuisine that takes you from Asia to Africa in the space of a mere two blocks. The Hamilton Central Business Association showcased a sample of what is on offer, taking 30 business people from around the city, on a tasting evening in 90 minutes. First stop was Penang Street Food NZ at 941A Victoria St − a Malaysian restaurant offering a blend of traditional Malay flavours with a modern dining experience. The owners said they wanted to craft a delicious sensory experience true to their family motto and their roots, bringing their love for the Malay street food to the plate − and they certainly did this with a selection plate of nasi lemak, char kway teow, mee goreng and chicken satay. The evening was certainly off to a great start.

Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato is thrilled to announce Exscite, its interactive centre for discovery, won the prestigious Innovation Award at last night’s Hamilton Central Business Association CBD Awards 2024.

The award recognises Exscite’s outstanding contribution to the community through its innovative approach to science education and engagement.

The recent redevelopment of Exscite has transformed it into a state-of-the-art facility making science accessible and exciting for all ages.

Quality secondhand books adorn the shelves, and old singer sewing machines, typewriters and comfy leather chairs lend themselves to the somewhat nostalgic atmosphere. The books feel well-loved and well-thumbed, and the head high bookshelves will keep you entertained for hours.A particularly impressive display of craftsmanship is the towering bookcase located right next to the entrance, where the mystery remains as to what would happen if someone fancied a novel right at the top.

Join us in Hamilton this April school holidays for a face-to-face Universal Wellbeing Workshop designed for school students aged 8 and over.

Held at the FREEDOM Wellbeing Institute, this interactive 3-hour session offers a meaningful and affordable school holiday activity that helps students understand what wellbeing means and how to care for their own.

Perfect for parents and caregivers looking for educational and engaging school holiday programmes, the workshop introduces students to the Universal Wellbeing Model – a research-backed framework that supports emotional wellbeing, self-awareness, and resilience in everyday life.

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15th & 16th April 2025

9.30am - 12.30pm

Cost $30 per student. Limited spaces. Register now.

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A special afternoon at the HANRAD gallery as they unveil the stunning rug design by Samantha Callaghan, the winner of their design competition incollaboration with WINTEC’s design students!

Last year, Hanrad challenged a group of WINTEC students to create a rug based on a design brief we provided—Samantha’s concept stood out, and they’ve brought it to life with their expert craftsmanship. Now, we’re excited to showcase the finishedpiece to the student body and design faculty.

Opening:Thursday the 10th of April at 4:30pm

Exhibition Date: 10th - 30th April

Come and celebrate the next generation of design talent!

Basketball fans won’t want to miss the Trans-Tasman Throwdown, an electrifying basketball series featuring Australia’s Boomers vs. New Zealand’s Tall Blacks and the 2degrees Tall Ferns vs. the Opals. This high-energy event rekindles one of the fiercest rivalries in international sports, as Australia and New Zealand battle it out across three exciting games.

This is a unique opportunity to see both countries’ national basketball teams in action on their home turf. It’s the first time the Boomers have played the Tall Blacks in Australia since 2021, and nearly ten years since the Tall Blacks hosted the Boomers in New Zealand.

The Opals and 2degrees Tall Ferns will face off after an intense 2023 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup bronze medal match, where Australia narrowly defeated New Zealand. This will be the Tall Ferns’ first home game in over five years and the first time the Opals have played in New Zealand since 2015.

Don't miss out on this chance to witness some of the world’s best basketball teams compete live. Get your tickets now for this historic series!

Corporate Hospitality: Interested in an exclusive experience? For corporate hospitality options, email spoiltforchoice@h3group.co.nz

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Peppa Pig is back touring New Zealand for the first time since 2018 in her oink tastic stage show, Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out LIVE! Prepare to sing and dance with colourful scarecrows, feed the penguins, build big sandcastles, and even swim in the sea! Packed full of songs, dance and muddy puddles, Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out LIVE! guarantees giggles and snorts for all Peppa fans and is a perfect introduction to theatre.

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Join Professor Penfold in his race against time to create a fantastical solution to the city’s rubbish problem!

With an impatient mayor breathing down his neck, an enthusiastic but clumsy nephew causing havoc in the lab, what more could possibly go wrong for the professor?

The Perfectly Peculiar Practice of Professor Penfold is a wonderfully wacky, and joyful experience for people of all ages – kids and parents alike!

Written by Scott Granville and Courteney Mayall

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1st July -Saturday, 5thJuly, 10:30 am & 1 pm (10:30 am only on Sat 5^thJuly)

Presented in the style of a wartime radio broadcast, this special concert will take you on a journey of remembrance, courage, and camaraderie. Join us as we honour the heroes of the past with music that echoes through history.

Running time: 120 mins

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Looking for an unforgettable school holiday adventure? The premiere of ‘Little Red: The Musical’ – a brand-new, exciting twist on the classic fairytale!

Follow Little Red and her new friend Jamie as they journey through the familiar story with fresh surprises, catchy original songs, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. This magical performance is brought to life by our talented local tamariki, ready to entertain audiences of all ages these school holidays.

Wednesday, 16th April, 11:00am & 2:30 pm, Thursday, 17th April, 11:00 am & 2:30

Running time 60 minutes

“The Bell” is a wordless visual symphony, where hand-crafted puppets come to life, blending with hypnotic juggling such as buugeng and contact juggling. A bossy juggler puppet and his apprentice puppeteer arrive on stage with a suitcase full of surprises, inviting audiences of all ages into a world of transformation and play.

Created by Naranjarte and developed in collaboration with Fraser Hooper and Di Filippo Marionette.

Juggler: Sergio Aguilar

Puppeteer and puppet maker: Ana Lorite

Costume design: Sarah Bell

Set building: Jon Coddington

Naranjarte is a Spanish Puppet Theatre and Circus company founded by Ana Lorite and Sergio Aguilar in 2011. Known for their fusion of puppetry and circus, they have performed over 400 shows across 17 countries, bringing immersive performances and cultural exchange to diverse audiences. Now based in Aotearoa New Zealand, they continue to tour internationally, sharing their passion for puppetry and juggling through visual theatre, illusion, and play.

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Run time: 45 mins

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A Hamilton-based festival for self-publishers of comics, poetry, collage, fan-art, photo essays and more.

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Stall holder applications now open https://forms.gle/rsQMTGMFNKHmHoZq9

Join us on Sunday the 20th of April for our Easter Bottomless Brunch at House!

Experience Yoga, Pilates, Meditation, Sauna + Ice Baths, Normatec Recovery, and more - all included in one ticket! The O-Wellness Festival brings together community, fun, and self-care for a morning of movement and recovery. Enjoy over $180 worth of wellness experiences!

Investment: Early Bird $49, Standard Price $59. Limited tickets available

Renowned Hamilton chef Andrew Clarke has created a four course tasting menu to match four Whitehaven wines.Danny from Whitehaven will be joining us as our wine ‘tour guide’ for the evening, giving insights into the winery and the way that the chosen varietals match each course.

This event starts at 6pm and tickets are just $59 per person. To book, please email info@keystonebar.co.nz - make sure you get in early as there are limited spots available!

Join us for an evening of fashion and philanthropy at our exclusive Sip & Shop Sale! Browse through a stunning collection of high-end preloved designer and quality brand clothing at incredible prices, all while supporting a wonderful cause.

Hosted by our generous supporters at Harkness Henry, this event offers the perfect opportunity to refresh your wardrobe with stylish treasures while enjoying a complimentary glass of bubbles. Every purchase helps fund Dress For Success Hamilton's mission to empower women in our community.

Entry: FREE!

All proceeds support Dress For Success Hamilton's work providing professional attire and career development tools to women entering or returning to the workforce.

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