The Speight's Ale House, Petone

New Zealand is not New Zealand without The Speight's Ale House!

The stuff of South Island legends, they're delighted to bring some of their signature southern hospitality to Petone.

A classic Kiwi pub through and through, The Ale House is warm, welcoming and spacious. Nothing is taken too seriously in their neck of the woods - except for excellent food and beer, of course - which makes them a great destination for anyone just craving a chilled evening with familiar faces.

Pub meals rule supreme here, although that hardly comes as a surprise. To begin, you're encouraged to pair your first pint with some small nibbles, be that a plate of Jalepeno Cheese Balls, Crispy Cauliflower with beetroot hummus, or some Beef Kofta topped with chermoula and pickled onion.

Mains go for gold with the mandatory Beer Battered Fish & Chips. They do, however, wave the flag for South Island specialties and boy is that a welcome prospect! From the popular Black Cherry Chicken to the hearty Beef Cheek Pie and braised Shearer's Shank, The Ale House has it all.

And once you find out that there's a house made Sticky date Pudding on the menu for dessert, there's really no excuse not to come to one of NZ's most established watering holes.