Acclaimed chef and restaurateur Sean Connolly brings his distinctive restaurant style to Queenstown with the opening of Pavilion Bar & Kitchens, the new culinary precinct in Queenstown Central.

During his career spanning more than 40 years the Yorkshireman has won numerous awards, starred in a television series and created many restaurant concepts and dining destinations across Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East.

The Pavilion joins a stable which includes Esther at QT in Auckland and Steak & Oyster Co. in Sydney and is a contemporary hospitality venue which promises to pair good times with great regional tastes.

“Pavilion is all about simple, fabulous food with local provenance, heroing a range of outstanding ingredients from the region,” says Sean. “We celebrate casually chaotic social dining, damn good food and the joy of gathering around a table. The fertile farmland that much of Queenstown is built on was once known as the breadbasket of the region and at Pavilion we pay homage to that history channelling the spirit of generosity, creativity and social connection.”

The Pavilion is designed as the centrepiece of Queenstown Central backdropped by the Remarkables Mountain range and with its roaring outdoor fireplaces it is a go to spot this winter for après ski, al fresco and casual shared indoor dining with international quality cuisine offering something for every taste under one roof.

Sean is recognised for his love of live music and the Pavilion has plans to host popular D.J’s, bands and performers. 

“When it comes to sound we’ve doubled up and doubled down ensuring we’re a destination people will want to return to again and again for good times.”

Pavilion has been developed by Queenstown Central in partnership with Sean and is designed by Ignite Architects and Baxter Landscapes with interiors by Izzard Design.

 The venue is grounded in the use of natural, authentic materials that reflect and connect with the surrounding landscape while features such as banquette seating created from reclaimed railway sleepers and aged leather add a heritage element while stunning custom fireplaces anchor the interior and outdoor firepits are imaginatively set into boulders.

Josh Clegg has been appointed Pavilion’s general manager and guests can expect memorable dining prepared by Sean and his team led by executive chef Tomoya Kodera who has worked in some of Tokyo’s top dining establishments and played key roles in Sean’s premium New Zealand restaurants including Esther at QT Auckland and The Grill and Gusto at the Grand.

The hospitality venues include the Steak & Oyster Co., Ciao Brutto Italian eatery and the Pavilion Bar while private dining and event spaces are also catered for under Pavilion’s roof.