9pm’s the new midnight in Queenstown world first
Whether it’s cleanse, tone and moisturise, crack open a bottle of red once the kids are in bed or scroll through social media, we’ve all got evening habits, some a little better than others. This week I was asked by my friends at First Table what my 9PM nightly habits look like and if I would be willing to adopt a new one?
You spoke, first table listened. Queenstown locals pop your party shirts on and celebrate as you are the first on planet earth to score early bird dining specials at 9pm, before they’re rolled out to the rest of the world. From now on, availability for local restaurants is added when the clock strikes nine each night, showing seven days in advance. No more reaching for your phone at 12pm Midnight, no more missing out on that First Table at Blue Kanu, Margo’s or your favourite pizza joint. The crew at First Table have you covered… thank them, they deserve it.
With four times as many people booking a First Table between midnight and 1am, winding back the booking clock made nothing but total sense. They are now giving you three hours of your life back, and you no longer have to be a night owl to catch the early bird special.
Since getting married we have been on a whirlwind adventure of fun, laughter, love, and a honeymoon that took us through the South Island of New Zealand and back again in a flash. We decided one night when fighting over who would wash the dishes that we need to incorporate a brand new habit into our married life. We are going to date, again… Once a month we are going to throw the towel in the sink, forget about who is chopping the onions, and get out. With so many restaurants to choose from on First Table and so many that we haven’t tried yet I for one am excited to taste all the goodness Queenstown has to offer.
I sat down with the crew and answered some questions about dating, Netflix and what #my9pm looks like.
Local content creator, photographer and all round adventurer, Sophie Piearcey is one to watch. When she’s not dreaming up beautiful content, you’ll find her in the outdoors or drinking a cup of Yorkshire tea. We spoke to her about how routine helps her manage her business, who cooks in her household and what her 9pm ritual looks like.
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what a typical day in the life of Sophie looks like?
A typical day in my life? Everyday is so different which makes it such a dream. I run my own content and social media business, so I’m either behind the camera shooting campaigns or I’m in front of the laptop scheduling, editing and connecting with my awesome clients. I always make sure to cram in at least five cups of tea and a movement session, either at the gym, swimming or running along the Queenstown Trail. I’m also a huge foodie, so getting in some delicious snacks is a pivotal part of my day.
2. Being a freelance creative, do you have a set routine? And how do you make a good habit stick?
Routine keeps me sane. I get up at 6.30am every morning, have a cup of tea and read my emails, it helps keep my day in check. I also stick to exercising at least once a day after 4pm – it gives me something to work towards and rounds off my day nicely. 9pm is when I start to wind down, do my last client checks and get ready for bed. It’s those little things that we do everyday that keep us grounded.
3. As newlyweds, are you thinking about picking up any new habits?
We’ve been notorious dine in people. I love food, I love to cook for my man and I love experimenting in the kitchen. However, when we got married we vowed to date out at least once a month so that we could experience new places and flavours together. We both run our own businesses from home so getting out of the house (no work, no distractions and no pot washing) is such an awesome treat for us.
4. Are you or the hubby responsible for cooking? And do you believe in the golden rule: whoever cooks shall not clean?
100% – if I’m cooking, you won’t catch me near the kitchen sink. It has been an underlying silent rule our entire relationship haha. We both have dishes that we are better at, so we take it in turns – it’s really whoever fancies cooking that evening. We’re also the perfect double team, Robbie is a top veg chopper and I’m a fabulous spice adder, so sometimes we find ourselves both getting involved. But then who cleans the mess? Hmm…
5. Who is the more romantic one?
Oh, I would say I am. I’m a sucker for cute gifts, lunchbox love notes and declaring my love at any given opportunity. But then Robbie is a fantastic gift giver and always nails something so personal and lovely. We both have a big wooden box under the bed filled with cards, notes and photos from our time together. I think it’s such a nice thing to keep and look back on in years to come.
6. What’s your first date night memory?
We didn’t actually date until about six months into our relationship. We met in Australia, had a whirlwind few weeks and then I left for the UK. Upon my return a few weeks later, I moved straight in and the girls I worked with at the time begged us to go on our first ‘official’ date. We got dressed up, found a small Mexican place, ate chicken wings out of a wine bucket and drank white wine that tasted like vinegar. Perfect first date if you ask me!
7. What does your 9pm look like? Any evening rituals?
Yes, I have to wind down. Sometimes my days can be so hectic, so making sure I have an evening ritual in place is important. I have a great skincare routine that I look forward to every evening. I also love food prepping, not only does it help the morning rush but it’s another reason for me to be involved in the kitchen. We also make sure we watch one programme a night together, whether it be the new David Attenborough on Netflix, Peaky Blinders or Jimmy Carr’s 8 Out of 10 Cats.
8. Who controls the Netflix remote?
100% me. Purley because I have the patience to sit through and search for new things whereas Robbie would happily watch reruns of friends his whole life. We love a bit of Gogglebox, so when episodes become available we’ll agree to binge watch those.
9. What was the last show you watched?
We recently just finished Peaky Blinders and OH MY what an incredible series! We waited for ages for it to appear on Netflix and when it did, we watched an episode a night. I’m so ready for the next instalment.
Don’t forget that you can now book your First Table from 9PM every night. Where will your next date night out be?
Notes of a Northerner 