The Cook

With The Cook in charge of the kitchen, forming the ultimate dream team, meal plans are now wonderfully simple for both midday and evening dining. What began as an Odd Fellows society hall in the late 1800s has now transformed into this bustling pub in Hamilton East, catering to various appetites throughout the day.

Housed in a grand historical building, The Cook establishes a distinctive ambience with its blend of vintage charm and contemporary neon lights, alongside grungy memorabilia and a ceiling adorned with fairy lights. The expansive dining room offers plenty of space for wine and reclining.

When it comes to great food, The Cook (and the actual cook) knows how to hit that sweet spot. The menu features small plates of pork belly bites, buffalo wings, and house-made veggie fritters. Tempting meat, fish, and veggie burgers invite a relaxed dining (leaving table manners at home) while their range of pizzas, from margarita to chicken maxicana, are tried-and-tested crowd-pleasers.

The drinks selection proudly features Good George, a celebrated New Zealand brewery known for its diverse brews and a range of tutti-fruity ciders.