Resort diners head outdoors for Long Lunch

About 300 people lined the mall, in central Queenstown, yesterday afternoon to enjoy the first Queenstown Long Lunch, including (from left) Queenstown Lakes mayoress Karen Boult, Lisa Reid, Denise Cullen, Darelle Jenkins and Cass Leverty.

Restaurants moved their tables to the centre of the mall for the afternoon, serving special menus for diners, while Akarua took over The Ballarat Trading Co’s kitchen for the afternoon.

Entertainment included live music and a special performance by Queenstown Salsa.

The idea was the brainchild of hospitality operator Republic Hospitality, which owns Winnies and Ballarat, and event company Multi Events, to help stimulate businesses which had been struggling for the past year.

It is hoped the event will become an annual one and, in time, be extended throughout the central business area.

Yesterday’s event also raised money for the Salvation Army.