The Ale House Ashburton

On the corner of Burnett and Cass Streets, a beautifully restored 1898 bank has been reborn as The Ale House Ashburton, a local landmark where history meets hospitality.

Inside, it's warm and welcoming - outside, a secluded garden unfurls around a magnificent walnut tree planted by an early bank manager. Whether stopping in for a quick bite or settling in for a long dinner, diners find versatility, charm and a lively Mid Canterbury buzz.

From the kitchen, the food leans into hearty, Southern-inspired comfort with a Kiwi accent. Think slow-cooked lamb shoulder with minted peas and savoury jus, crispy battered fish and chips, or rich seafood chowder. There's modern crowd-pleasing too: sticky pork belly bites, chicken bao buns with sriracha mayo, and a buttermilk fried chicken burger dressed in Bang Bang sauce.

For the classicists, chicken schnitzel arrives with peppercorn sauce, salad and fries, while desserts swing from sticky date pudding to the unapologetically indulgent Death by Chocolate.

As any true local fixture should, it pairs a strong line-up of good-value plates with an inviting atmosphere, ideal for relaxed evenings under the walnut canopy or cosy catch-ups indoors.

Make a date with this Ashburton favourite, find a seat in the garden or inside, and let the good times take root!