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Air New Zealand Panorama
JULY 2002 |
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Theres a renaissance going on in Arrowtown. Buildings
erected during the 1860s goldrush sparkle with fresh paint. The old
post office and jailhouse stand like they've never closed, the pubs
hum and the bakery still makes the best bread in the district.
The careful restoration of Arrowtown has made it the village of the
moment with tourists and Queenstowners. But locals are determined
this pretty town remains quiet and understated - unlike neighbouring
Queenstown. But there'll always be room for a classy restaurant, a
divine theatre and a cosy wine bar
Dorothy Browns fits the bill.This new boutique theatre and bar has
been touted by movie-goers as the best in New Zealand. Whats so good
about this little Arrowtown theatre? For a start, huge seats with
armrests for cheeseboards and wineglasses. Then theres the decor, a mix of
romantic charm and funky modernism; the films, mostly arthouse; and
the bar and roaring fire.
Owner Philippa Archibald looked to old-time movie culture for inspiration.
"I wanted to create a night out for movie-goers, where people
don't feel they have to rush" she explains. So she still
insists on intermission. "People like that" says Archibald
from the slickly designed theatre lobby she hires out for wedding
receptions and wrap parties for film companies.
You can see why its been a hit. The fully stocked bar serves up fine
local wines. A roaring fire is flanked by red possum fur seats and,
in the central area overlooking Arrowtown's tree lined streets, modernist
couches and fur bean bags make for a cosy chit-chat spot. Behind the
sofas, a screen slides back to reveal another room which caters for
larger groups at night, and during the day operates as a bookshop
.Inside the theatre, Archibald has opted for opulence. Floating pink
chiffon lines the walls and glass-beaded chandeliers complete the
romantic look.
Archibald says the whole idea behind Dorothy Browns is to keep it
relaxed. That means you can take drinks and cheeseboards into the theatre.
And its not uncommon to see Philippa's terrier, Sizzle, racing about
the place. "I had to pick her from someones lap in the theatre
the other day" she laughs.
Such a great name raises the question: who was Dorothy Brown?
"She was a well-known turn-of-the-century photographer who lived
with a Chinese man from the local gold mining community. And maybe
she ran an opium den." reveals Archibald coyly. - Ginny
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