On the scene
We take a look at the interiors of new Christchurch hot spots Hugo and Botanic, each a masterclass in refined design, natural materials and thoughtful craftsmanship.
WORDS Liam Stretch PHOTOGRAPHY Anna McLeod
A perfect and durable finish is a must in a busy hospitality setting, so the painting and decorating was entrusted to Peter Murphy Painters.
There are two new additions to The Terrace, the vibrant precinct in the heart of Ōtautahi Christchurch. Hugo, a French-influenced restaurant, and Botanic, a purpose-designed event space, are the latest venues from hospitality company The Warring Group.
Both share the signature Warring Group aesthetic: clean marble bar tops, plush furnishings, a mirrored ceiling reflecting the Avon River, and soft, ambient lighting.
“We wanted both spaces to feel contemporary yet warm – a balance of form, light and natural finishes,” says Jen Warring, who co-directs the creative elements across the group with her husband David. “We love working with natural marble and granite. They’re not only durable and practical for commercial use, but they also bring depth and character. The Patagonia Quartzite connects the
two venues visually – you can see its beautiful tones even from outside. It’s warm, colourful, and has this wonderful depth. Shane Boyd Granite Benchtops fabricated and installed these stunning standout features.”
Renowned for its dramatic veining and variation, the Patagonia Quartzite sourced from Brazil fuses white quartz, feldspar and rich earthy tones – deep chocolate, gold, black, cream and beige – into a mesmerising
natural pattern.
Each slab was hand-selected and imported to meet the Warrings’ design expectations. The translucent qualities of the stone lend themselves beautifully to backlighting, creating a dynamic, atmospheric feature behind the bar that shifts subtly as the light changes throughout the day.
This project continues a successful partnership between Shane Boyd Granite and The Warring Group, who have previously collaborated on other acclaimed venues, such as ROCA and King of Snake. These restaurants also showcase a curated selection of natural stones – from Rosso Lepanto Marble from Turkey and Nero Marquina from Spain to Italy’s iconic Carrara Marble – materials chosen as much for their durability as their artistry.
Drawing inspiration from European travels, Jen and David worked with Maelstrom Design to create bespoke pieces that echo Hugo’s French sensibility. The restaurant’s red leather dining chairs, inspired by the logo, are instantly distinctive. “We wanted something really unique to bring in a sense of French charm,” says Jen. “It’s wonderful seeing people notice and comment on the details.”
Montreux Furniture manufactured the velvet dining chairs that complement the dining space at Hugo, as well as the elegantly simple dining chairs for Botanic.
For Jen, hospitality design is about the total experience. “When you’re designing these kinds of spaces, it has to be the whole package,” she says. “At Hugo, people are staying longer, relaxing more. The design invites people to slow down and remain within the space.”
High-quality seating produced by Montreux Furniture includes these velvet chairs, designed to be comfortable and durable - vital for busy hospitality spaces.
The striking Patagonia Quartzite bar makes a statement. The stone was sourced from Brazil and expertly fabricated by Shane Boyd Granite Benchtops.
