Tipsy Oyster
What makes your venue the Best Gastropub in New Zealand?
Tipsy Oyster is the heartbeat of our little town, Paihia. It's a colourful fusion pub that has been built from scratch by the owners. French bulldog Layla is the face of the restaurant. The fusion flavours on the menu are Indian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern inspired. real corky cocktail list and beautiful ocean views.
Describe the experience your customers have at your establishment – what is your food and beverage offering and why do people come back for more?
When you enter, you see this amazing blend of hand-painted tables, lots of colours, and little paintings made by the owner's wife, Holly. The food menu is inspired by street food from around the world but with some creative ideas. For example, jerk chicken in arancini balls, butter chicken burgers, Sri Lankan goat sliders, beef in cognac, and Vietnamese bao buns.
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?
One of the owners is also the head chef, so he looks after customers' allergies and dietary requirements and usually finds a creative way of plating such meals. We source our oysters and fish from local seafood suppliers; they are as fresh as they can get.
What are your key points of difference and how have you managed to deliver them?
The concept of sharing plates with a street food-inspired menu and oyster menu with non-classic toppings; we have managed to keep the vibes upbeat with a regularly changing menu, chef's creativity, and a fun drinks list.
Tell us about your commitments to Customer Service and Host Responsibility
It's a friends and family-run business; therefore, it's hospitality at its best.
Best Known for:
Colourful fusion pub
Indian/Chinese/Middle Eastern Fusion
Sharing plates
Beautiful ocean views
Please describe your commitment to sustainability
Food wastage goes to local pig farmers, and oyster shells are used for decorations.
Have you won any awards in the recent past? Tell us about them.
Best Bar Northland 2021. Twice nominated as Best Bar NZ and Best New Business NZ.
Please describe how you create ambience.
Well, everything has been made from scratch. It's like going to a hip cafe in Amsterdam but without the good stuff ;)
