The Packingshed Cafe

Let it be written that ochlophobics in Canterbury will these days have difficulty finding quietude in cafes and restaurants, wherever in the region they may be. Whilst I have neither an irrational fear of crowds nor an insanely gregarious bent it is sometimes a wonderful thing to seek a meditative moment away from the mill and throng of city life in the bucolic bliss of somewhere still and valley bound.
And so it was on a beautiful weekend afternoon that we motored through the short but utterly spectacular Old Tai Tapu Rd scenic route and into Early Valley Rd to find the Packingshed Cafe a short drive further on.
You don’t need a Degree in Fine Art or Geography to appreciate what is on offer in these healing hills, the reassuring rolls of sculptured, sun blessed slopes, the soft and shady valley floors, the soul enriching sound of native birds and the eye bathing beauty of the bois!
The Packingshed Cafe hasn’t changed much since my last visit two and a half years ago; there remains a rough and ready clutter of tables and chairs on the entrance patio, friendly staff, a busy kitchen and a well stocked mini store occupying part of the premises. It was, however, with more than a modicum of apprehension that we awaited our food order, patently aware of the hammering this eatery has suffered at the ‘thumbs’ of the DineOut community. How would things turn out? I had to keep an open mind and not prejudge...
Bread and Dips – the few pieces of white bread barely sufficed but the rocket pesto with garlic, chilli, peanuts, olive oil and parsley was palatable and piquant, the fruit paste sweet and silken, the dollop of smooth, shining cream cheese delightful.
Smokey Venison Pie boasting plum marinated venison rump sautéed with onion & carrot in jus, encased in a flakey pastry and accompanied by a rosemary, onion & plum jam, roast winter vegetables and a lingering aroma met my expectations and allayed most, if not all, of the trepidations I may have hitherto harboured.
The venison chunks were fully cooked, the composition of the pie, including its pastry, more than adequate, with good taste and textures across the ingredients. The roasted vegetables, represented on the plate as rectangular, chunky slices, were earthy, wholesome and ever so winsome! At $20.50 this was an affordable lunch.
To round off we bypassed the considerable selection of desserts, opting instead for a cheeseboard at $15. The tantalising tango of taste continued with a trio of cheeses presented with crackers and more of the cream cheese, pesto and fruit sauce mentioned above. It didn’t take us long to deal with the Kikorangi Blue, Mainland Brie and marinated Feta, each temperature perfect as they awaited our pleasure.
Service throughout was no better or worse than that which you will find in hundreds of cafes and restaurants around New Zealand. I had no complaints and will happily return.