The Redoubt Bar & Eatery
What makes your venue the Best Gastropub in New Zealand?
The Redoubt Bar and Eatery is the ultimate local. Our goal is to make your day better. We do this by knowing your name and what you drink by the 3rd time you call in.
Whether it be Gary for his one weekly beer Thursday at 11am, Pam her long black every afternoon after work at 3pm or Brian his Steak on a Wednesday. The simple act of 'Hi John just the usual' makes our patrons feel like their home.
Describe the experience your customers have at your establishment – what is your food and beverage offering and why do people come back for more?
There is no greater feeling than being recognized. You feel wanted and important, and you can relax.
Kim's half-strength large cappuccino with cinnamon and two pink marshmallows order does not have to be repeated; Wara's Chicken fingerlings with no sauce are never a hassle.
Flexibility and what the patron wants are at the top of our list. Yes, you can have a big breakfast after 11 am; we will cook your lamb rump well done because that is what you want.
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?
Matamata is right in one of NZ's great produce areas, from Wilcox potatoes, Boyds Asparagus, and Leaderbrand lettuces broccoli to silver farm meats based in Te Aroha. We change our menu seasonally to promote these products.
Our menu is detailed with gluten-free and vegan offerings.
What are your key points of difference and how have you managed to deliver them?
In a community place, we are able to help and assist our patrons as we know them so well. Colin and Dianne come in every Wednesday. Unfortunately, Colin passed away, and we were able to call down to Dianne with meals. Jade Coates was selected to represent the Fijian women's rugby team- we now have her photo on the wall. Local high school student Mikayla Furnace was selected for a leadership camp in Samoa for a week- we arranged a quiz night fundraiser to help her get there.
Tell us about your commitments to Customer Service and Host Responsibility
Our operation works because people feel comfortable and recognized. We encourage fun and not stupidity. There is zero tolerance for overindulgence of alcohol.
We know our regulars, and Christmas is when we thank them with several of our great supporting businesses, from the local plumbers who have lunch every Thursday to Dave and the crew at the local fruit and vege shop who deliver seven days a week and receive a morning team baking basket.
Best Known for:
Friendly, personable team
Known by name by your third drink
Community gastro
Have you won any awards in the recent past?
Won best customer service in the Matamata Piako Council awards and best dessert in the Donovan's Chocolate competition.
Please describe how you create ambience.
Creating ambience and a feeling of a local through the images that adorn the walls. As mentioned, if you are from Matamata you will be on the wall, if not your father is on the wall, if not your neigbour if not someone you know is on the wall. This creates a sense it is 'your place'.
Our music is though Nightlife with four distinct zones-soul, acoustic chill & laid-back city sounds throughout the day, from 4 pm-6:30, afternoon bar tunes and NZ bar tunes, featuring well-known music for toe tapping, 6:30 to8:30 rolls to background soul beats and from 8:30 is all your favourites that you or will defiantly know, 9-5 Dolly Parton, Tiny Dancer Elton John to Taylor Swift you belong to me.
We have Steak n Country night every Wednesday with James Rae singing country with a $19 rump steak special, line dancing guaranteed at 8:30, 11 am knitting club on Thursday, and live solo or two-piece music every Friday.
