Auckland’s Fantail & Turtle has been named the supreme champion of the inaugural Estrella Damm Top 50 New Zealand Gastropubs.
The gastropub, which is located at Smales Farm on Auckland’s North Shore, features an elevated pub menu showcasing local and boutique producers, in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Fantail & Turtle was voted by the public as one of the top 50 across the country in the inaugural competition, which saw more than 5,000 people cast their vote.
A panel of judges then deliberated over the top 50 and chose seven regional winners, with Fantail & Turtle coming out on top as the supreme national champion.
Judge Connie Clarkson says judging the competition was far from easy.
“It was an eye-opening exercise as well as an honour to explore the vast world of Aotearoa’s gastropubs through the eyes of their best supporters. Given the quality of our seven regional
winners, nailing the Supreme Champion was not simple.
“The Fantail & Turtle menu is confident, balanced and presents well, with a commitment to zero waste, provenance and sustainability.”
Steve Armitage, Hospitality New Zealand Chief Executive, says the depth and breadth of the country’s food and beverage offering is phenomenal and the Estrella Damm Top 50 New Zealand Gastropubs competition has been an opportunity to showcase an important component of New Zealand’s wider hospitality story.
“There are more than a thousand gastropubs across the motu and these awards are an opportunity to recognise and applaud the hard work and dedication that goes into them,” he says.
“The calibre of gastropubs in this country is sensational and we hope that these awards inspire others to get out and experience all that they have to offer.
“This is the first time these awards have been hosted in New Zealand, and our hope is the top 50 list will act as a dining out guide for locals and visitors to enjoy again and again.”
The seven regional winners include:
- Auckland Central and Supreme Champion: Fantail & Turtle – North Shore, Auckland
- Upper North Island and Taranaki: The Tahi Bar + Kitchen – Warkworth, Auckland
- Central North Island: The Keg Room – Rototuna, Hamilton
- Lower North Island: Thistle Inn – Thorndon, Wellington.
- Upper South Island: Strawberry Tree Kaikōura Limited – Kaikōura
- Central South Island: CBK Craft Bar & Kitchen Kaiapoi – Kaiapoi, Canterbury
- Lower South Island and winner of the best Estrella Damm Paired Meal: The Fat Duck – Te Anau
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