Duck & Cover

**What makes your venue the Best Gastropub in New Zealand?**

The Duck & Cover proudly reigns as the epitome of gastronomic excellence in New Zealand, housed within the storied walls of a heritage building. Our establishment offers a culinary experience and a journey through history, where every meal is imbued with the richness of tradition and the vibrancy of innovation.

Nestled within our charming confines, guests are invited to indulge in an unparalleled dining adventure that blends the best Kiwi classics with an exciting Asian twist. From our iconic Beef and Guinness pie to our succulent lamb dishes elevated with aromatic spices, each bite tells a story of culinary mastery and cultural fusion.

The Duck & Cover isn't just a place to enjoy exceptional cuisine; it's also a haven for craft beer enthusiasts. Our carefully curated beer selection features an array of locally sourced brews alongside beloved international favorites like Guinness and Killkenny. Each beer offers a unique flavor profile that reflects the richness of New Zealand's brewing culture. From hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts, refreshing lagers, and traditional Irish ales, our beer menu caters to diverse tastes.

But our commitment to excellence extends far beyond our menu. With all-weather outdoor dining, we invite patrons to savor their meals amidst the splendor of nature, regardless of the elements. Whether basking in the warmth of the summer sun or seeking refuge from the winter chill, our outdoor space offers a sanctuary for culinary exploration and social connection.

Yet, it is not just our culinary offerings or our historic setting that sets us apart. At The Duck & Cover, we believe in the power of community and the importance of forging lasting connections. Through a calendar brimming with engaging events, from themed nights celebrating local talent to charitable initiatives supporting worthy causes, we endeavour to create a space where all are welcome and every visit feels like coming home.

And let us not forget our unwavering dedication to quality. From the carefully curated selection of locally sourced ingredients to the meticulous attention to detail in every dish that graces our tables, excellence is not just a goal—it is our standard. Each member of our team is driven by a passion for perfection, ensuring that every aspect of your experience exceeds expectations and leaves a lasting impression.

So, whether you're a seasoned foodie seeking your next culinary adventure or a casual diner in search of a memorable meal, The Duck & Cover invites you to embark on a journey of taste, tradition, and togetherness unlike any other. Welcome to our table; welcome to our family."

Describe the experience your customers have at your establishment – what is your food and beverage offering and why do people come back for more?

Why listen to what we think, hear what our customers say

“We came to this place to have an ordinary lunch. My choice was a pasta of the day, which was seafood linguine. Wow, this was one of the best pastas I ever tried. The taste was great, squid was especially nicely cooked. Also, Guinness from the tap was amazing - much tastier than usual in other places.”

“Stopped here on Sunday afternoon. Live music on, very tasty food ( had kimchi cauliflower with pickles) and interesting menu. Perfect service and good prices.Highly recommended !!”

“Beautiful lamb dish. Lamb extremely tender and the most amazing flavours on our plates. Everything was cooked to perfection ! Our second time here visiting from Auckland and did not disappoint. Would highly recommend. Nice atmosphere and friendly staff”

“We arrived late in the evening but they still let us order which was nice. We ordered fish & chips and the chicken and avocado salad. The fish & chips had 3 servings of fish, plus salad, fries with tatere and was advised this was very delicious and went perfectly together. I had the salad and wow.. it had lots of chicken, salad, avacado, feta and veges. It also tasted delicious so was very impressed! Would happily visit again.

Tell us how you showcase NZ produce / offerings? Does your menu change with the season and how is it locally influenced. How do you accommodate allergy and dietary requirements?

At The Duck & Cover, we proudly highlight the finest New Zealand produce in our culinary offerings, with a commitment to showcasing the diversity of local ingredients. Our menu evolves with the seasons, ensuring that our dishes are not only a delightful representation of the changing bounty but also a celebration of the freshness and uniqueness each season brings.

With a focus on seasonal ingredients, our menu changes regularly to showcase the best of what New Zealand has to offer throughout the year. From succulent meats sourced locally to freshly caught seafood, each dish reflects the vibrant flavours of the season and the unparalleled quality of our region's produce.

Recognising the importance of accommodating dietary requirements and allergies, we take extra care to ensure our guests have a safe and enjoyable dining experience. Our chefs are adept at customising dishes to meet specific dietary needs and are attentive to allergy considerations. Additionally, our menu is transparent about allergens present in each dish, empowering our guests to make choices that align with their preferences and requirements.

What are your key points of difference and how have you managed to deliver them?

The Duck & Cover sets itself apart through a trifecta of defining features: its exceptional cuisine, unparalleled customer service, and the captivating allure of its historic building.

Our culinary offerings transcend the ordinary, characterised by meticulously crafted dishes that showcase the finest local ingredients and innovative flavour combinations, ensuring every bite is a journey of delight.

Complementing this culinary excellence is our unwavering dedication to providing exemplary customer service, where every guest is treated with warmth, attentiveness, and genuine hospitality.

Housed within a captivating heritage building, The Duck & Cover provides a setting of timeless elegance and charm, inviting guests to immerse themselves in its rich history while indulging in an unforgettable dining experience.

Together, these elements converge to create a dining destination where exquisite food, brilliant service, and architectural splendour converge harmoniously, setting The Duck & Cover apart as a beacon of culinary excellence.

Please describe your commitment to sustainability.

At The Duck & Cover, sustainability is a core value that permeates every aspect of our operation. We are deeply committed to reducing our environmental footprint and contributing positively to our community. One of the ways we uphold this commitment is through our comprehensive recycling program, where we diligently recycle all plastic, glass, and cardboard waste generated within our establishment.

We go beyond mere recycling by actively repurposing our food scraps to minimise food waste. Through a partnership with a local free-range pig breeder, we ensure that any leftover food scraps are collected and repurposed as feed for the pigs. This not only diverts organic waste from landfills but also supports local agriculture and contributes to the circular economy.

By implementing these sustainable practices, we strive to minimise our environmental impact while supporting local businesses and promoting responsible waste management. At The Duck & Cover, sustainability isn't just a buzzword—it's a fundamental part of how we operate, reflecting our commitment to ethical and environmentally conscious business practices.

Please describe how you create ambience.

The heritage building itself is a focal point of our ambiance, boasting original restored cladding that adds a sense of history and authenticity to the space. We've taken great care to preserve and highlight the architectural features of the building, allowing guests to appreciate its unique charm and character.

Inside, our interior design reflects a perfect blend of old-world elegance and contemporary style. We've opted for black ceilings to create a cozy and intimate feel, while polished wooden floors add warmth and sophistication to the space. The combination of these elements creates a welcoming and inviting atmosphere where guests can relax and unwind.

In addition to our indoor dining area, we offer a modern outdoor dining space that provides the perfect setting for al fresco dining. With comfortable seating, lush greenery, and ambient lighting, our outdoor area offers a relaxed and warm atmosphere where guests can enjoy their meals surrounded by the beauty of nature.

Overall, our ambiance is carefully curated to provide a memorable dining experience that delights all the senses. Whether you're dining indoors surrounded by historic charm or enjoying the fresh air on our outdoor terrace, every visit to The Duck & Cover is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

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