A new restaurant is preparing to add more variety to Christchurch's popular food destination, Riverside Market.
Babylon Alfresco Bar will open on September 4, replacing Castro's Tapas & Bar, which closed earlier this year.
The new venue is operated by Match Hospitality, which also has two other bars in Christchurch's CBD, Kaiser Brew Garden and The Loft Bar.
Co-owner Campbell Parker said he was excited about creating something fresh and new to offer the people of Christchurch.
Parker said the new venue will offer something for everyone with a European sharing menu of small and large plates, with charcoal-grilled meats and specialty seafood.
The refreshments menu will also feature a mix of international and fresh local craft, he added.
Parker took over the trade of Castro's for the remaining two months of its operation earlier this year, after the owners wanted to move back overseas.
He then prepared to redevelop the venue into his own.
He was also approached by the Riverside Market owners about acquiring the site.
“I see it as a great site with a lot of potential for the right offering. I decided it was an opportunity to good to take.
"It is also very convenient to have another venue next door to Kaiser as it provides many efficiencies for both venues."
The fabled ancient city of Babylon inspired the name of the new restaurant, Parker said.
“Babylon Alfresco Bar is a contemporary urban oasis, a place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.”
