Heads up Cityscapers, we've got the low-down on the best places to be and this summer's Christchurch happenings.

There’s nothing like a drink with a view, and what better way to enjoy our acres of sky and a warm summer breeze than by heading top-side to one of our two new sky-high establishments. Pink Lady Rooftop, perched on top of The Muse hotel in Manchester Street, is an intimate floorspace with wide-reaching views across the city skyline to the Port Hills and Southern Alps (and there's also the excellent new café The Residency on the ground floor). Mr Brightside over in Oxford Terrace has a bistro-style set up with a retractable roof to make the most of its 360-degree views whatever the weather.

Over in Lyttelton, beloved post-earthquake pop-up pizza place Arbour is opening in a permanent new home. The quirky space features a 120-year-old reclaimed boat as its bar, a clear roof and plenty of greenery. Arbour will be serving up unique and delicious pizzas made using produce grown in the urban farm at the back of the restaurant, as well as home-cured meat and an extensive vegan menu.

Christchurch is lucky enough to have its own dedicated home of comedy in Good Times Comedy Club, but 2020 has hit hard and this inner-city asset needs a helping hand to keep the doors open and the laughs coming. Good Times is running a series of hilarious fundraiser gigs in December, like the Phuck Trivia 2020 Breakdown Special (it’s not like a regular quiz, it’s a cool quiz) on Friday December 18, a brilliant variety show of burlesque, drag, comedy, music and more with Ōtautahi Favourites on Saturday December 19, and a Sunday play date on December 20 featuring board games, video games and racing simulation games, because adulting is hard.

And two bits of great news for the gin lovers among us: local treasure Curiosity Gin has set up an awesome little cocktail bar in Riverside Market’s tastebud-tingling hall and offers gin and whisky flights as well as a range of irresistible G&Ts; and legendary gin bar gin gin. is reopening in New Regent Street this summer, with double the space, a full kitchen service and room for live music. It's going to be a good summer!

On the speciality catering front, The Drifting Table is the new and personalised yakitori experience that comes to you. World Cuisine's Liz Maynard is a globally experienced chef who sets up in your home and cooks her own creations and classic dishes for you and your guests.

Austin Club, newly opened in High Street, is OGB's new late-night venue serving cocktails in swanky post-war-themed surrounds. Hali is a bistro and bar coming to the crossing in January, with a funky retro fishy theme and a touch of spohistication. Over at The Yard in St Asaph Street, Two Thumb Brewing Company has popped in with a pop-up bar serving bites and beers. Prima Roastery has a hot new digs in Brougham Street full of living plants and sexy wooden furniture.

The Arts Centre has some new additions, with Adventure Books relocating to the centre from Oamaru, Fragranzi perfumery offering the opportunity to develop your own personal scent, and Frances Nation Grocer opening up with shelves packed with New Zealand made specialty foods.

In retail news, new nail bar BHAVA has set up shop in Merivale Mall, Lincoln’s hottest fashion store Belleza Boutique has opened a new space in The Crossing along with womens designer clothing retailer Fashion Society, and high-end used clothing reseller Recycle Boutique has opened a new branch in High Street.