First look inside remodelled Dunedin Botanic Garden cafe

Almost a year after closing its doors the cafe at Dunedin Botanic Garden is reopening with a sleek new look.

The former Croque-O-Dile Cafe also has new operators, a new name and a Nordic flavour.

Now known as Aster, it being operated by Caitlin Holloway and Jonas Hansen, the owners of centre city cafe ADJØ.

• Nordic flavour to be added to botanic garden cafe

Following a “soft” opening yesterday it will officially open to the public tomorrow.

DCC group manager parks and recreation Heath Ellis said the new design "breathes a fresh, modern life into the space while complementing its surrounds.”

“We are confident the café owners will provide a great dining experience for our visitors.

"We believe the café will be a bright, warm and welcoming atmosphere for all.”

Holloway told the ODT last year it would be nice to be back in North East Valley, where ADJØ was originally based for about four years.

"It’s nice to go back to where it all started.

"We also live in the valley, so it just feels fitting that the next venture for us is back there."

The cafe would be its own separate entity to ADJØ but very similar values-wise, with produce being sourced locally wherever possible, Ms Holloway said.

The Croque-O-Dile Cafe closed its doors in May last year earlier than previously scheduled because of manager Kristine Lind’s ill health and a personal loss.

- Allied Media