Beechwoods Cafe - Murchison

I had a great experience at this cafe, especially since it's the only one open after 3:30 in Murchison. I stopped by for a coffee and a muffin at 3:45, and the staff served me with a welcoming attitude, without making me feel rushed. Other customers who came in after me were also met with friendly service. The coffee was excellent, and I was delighted to find an amazing bran muffin on the menu—it's not something you often see. There are plenty of food options available in the cabinet as well as from the kitchen menu. With ample indoor and outdoor seating, good wifi, and clean restrooms, I would rate this place five stars!

We've visited Beechwood several times while passing through Murchison, but today I was quite taken aback when I had to pay an extra 50 cents for a small packaged cube of butter while ordering a scone and coffee to enjoy on-site. The portion was barely enough to spread on the scone, which I found to be more of a matter of principle than a financial one. That said, the scone itself was quite delicious.

As for the service, the staff was incredibly kind and even checked with the kitchen about the vegan options available, which we really appreciated. However, the kitchen was a bit slow in getting our soup out. In terms of atmosphere, I can see how some might enjoy it, but the displays of dead animals on the walls are a definite no-go for us vegans. That being said, I understand that hunting is quite popular in NZ, so I can’t hold it against them too much. The restaurant was clean, which is the most important thing for me. Overall, it was a lovely little find in a challenging area for vegan dining!

This is a fantastic spot to take a break! There's a small playground for the kids, a good variety of food options, and outdoor seating with umbrellas. Plus, there aren't too many sandflies!

Nil by Mouth Cafe: I've visited four times in one week, and each time, the cabinets were empty by 2-3 PM. I even had to inquire if they were closing. I won't be returning next time.