Cardrona Hotel owners Alexis and Cade Thornton have created a winter haven for good food, drinks and warm and inviting hospitality.

“The heritage hotel is such a cosy spot over winter where people can come in and escape the cold,” says Alexis. “ We like to have our indoor and outdoor fires burning all the time and plenty of warming comfort food on the menu.”

“It’s such a great vibe in the afternoons here as everyone flocks from Cardrona to enjoy some après ski and relive their day’s adventures on the mountain. A steaming mulled wine by the fire is one of the best things about winter in my opinion!”

The Cardrona Hotel has a range of menus throughout the day to enjoy in the hotel’s charming country style bar or outdoors in the expansive garden courtyard setting.

“We open at 8.00am for breakfast which is a popular option for people wanting to grab something substantial before heading to the mountain. Our takeaway breakfast bun called a ski bum is popular and there is a range of scones and baking for anyone who is in a rush to hit the slopes,” says Alexis. “There is a full range of hearty snacks available from 10.30am including our famous nachos and frickles (fried dill pickles) while our all-day bar menu starts at 11.00am.” 

Dinner in the hotel restaurant is always popular throughout winter with evening service starting at 6.00pm and bookings essential.

“Once the après ski crowds have emptied out the pub really comes to life in the evenings with diners enjoying amazing food in our beautiful restaurant atmosphere complete with candles and fresh flowers,” says Alexis. “The menu is a showcase of winter favourite dishes like Beef Wellington which is our signature venison fillet and roast lamb designed to share,” says Alexis. “Winter is also Pinot season here and many beautiful Central Otago Pinot Noirs feature on our in house wine list.”