Sprig + Fern Tahuna has been named one of the top gastropubs in New Zealand.
The competition, run by Hospitality New Zealand, sought to find the top fifty venues in the country by a popular vote. The list was announced late last week and included Sprig + Fern Tahuna as one of three finalist venues in the Upper South Island.
Defined as “a bar or pub that offers a high-end dining experience by serving quality food alongside a wide selection of alcoholic beverages”, the Sprig + Fern Tahuna team felt they had a strong case to put forward, with having a focus on seasonal menus showcasing locally-sourced, crowd-pleasing and time-tested dishes.
Sam Fitzgerald, co-owner of Sprig + Fern Tahuna, said:
“We’re delighted to land a finalist spot – it’s a great testament to the hard work that head chef Tim Comber and his team put in. We’ve become well know locally for our food, and combining that with the amazing atmosphere our front of house team creates, we couldn’t be happier.”
While it was the public who chose the make up of the top fifty list, the competition now heats up with a judging component led by a panel of distinguished hospitality judges. At an awards ceremony in April, a winner will be crowned from each of the seven regions, and a supreme champion named.
The full list of finalist venues can be found at the Top 50 Gastropubs website.