Food & Nightlife
For a small town,
Methven New Zealand has reasonable variety when it comes to dining options and bars. Most restaurants and bars are located in the heart of the town, but there are also some situated within accommodation establishments in the back streets of town. Methven is not party-central, but the pubs and a few of the bars still provide reasonable après and nightlife.
Methven Restaurants
The absolute highlight of dining in Methven is The Last Post Café, which is really more of a restaurant and bar than a cafe. Under new ownership since 2008, this restaurant has established itself as the supremo when it comes to cuisine and wine. It was fabulous in 2008, and in 2009 it continued to surpass any expectations you might have for a small town restaurant. And whilst this is an upmarket restaurant, the prices are very reasonable and are what you’d expect for a small town restaurant.
The décor of the
Last Post Café highlights some of the skills of interior designers in Methven, but the wine list and food are also incredibly noteworthy. The menu is very creatively gourmet, and flavours are well combined to make the food very scrumptious. The menu changes regularly but here are some examples of the fare: kumara wontons; salmon wrapped in nori and filo; goats cheese, almond and courgette fritters; and yellow fin tuna steak with crushed almonds, pan fried served with minted lemon cous cous and caper brown butter sauce. Yummy! Bookings are not essential but worthwhile, because not surprisingly this restaurant is very popular.
Ski Time Restaurant and Bar is located in one of the backstreets of Methven, but the short walk is worth it if you are a meat-lover. “The Chop” is infamous for the size of the chunk of quality meat that you’re expected to digest. Ski Time restaurant caters well to those with a hearty appetite and the wine list is fabulous. However if you’re not a carnivore, this probably isn’t the place to go for dinner.
For lighter fare, the Japanese restaurant Aqua next to Methven Heli-ski is well worth a visit. Aqua is a small restaurant only seating about 20, but this ambience gives it the feel of a traditional Japanese ramen bar. The only thing indicating that it isn’t in Japan is the incredibly English-ized menu. The vegetarian dumplings (similar to gyoza) are a must. Take-away is also available.
Steel-Worx restaurant in Forest Drive is another option for dinner. Don’t be fooled by the pub at the front or if it looks closed, as the restaurant is hiding at the rear of the building. The dining room is small with only 7 tables, making the dining experience very intimate. They serve fairly standard NZ cuisine with lots of meat dishes including menu items such as venison pie.
Café 131 is open for breakfast and lunch, and the polished timber leadlight windows and wood-fired stove make this an enjoyable setting. The basic meals include all-day breakfasts and home-baked goods such as quiches, pies, muffins and soup. You certainly won’t blow the budget dining here.
For pub-style food, the
Blue Pub in particular is very popular for meals which are appropriately priced. They have pub grub as well as appetisers and main meals.
Other Dining Options
For super-budget meals, there are a couple of fast food joints for take-away meals such as fish and chips.
Café Piccolo is a little caravan next to the Blue Pub that sells hot dogs, coffees and other beverages. They are open from 3pm until the wee hours. Late in the season they are also open in the mornings, so you can get your caffeine fix en route to the ski fields.
Methven Bars & Nightlife
The
Last Post Café has a small bar that sometimes has a lively après and an early evening crowd. This is a must-do, at least for the yummy après snacks.
Ski Time also has a small bar that can be a popular yet mellow place for après.
The Blue Pub in the centre of town has undergone major transformation and now has a modern saloon style décor. With an open fire, live music, pool table, and great meals in the café, this place is great for après and into the evening.
The Brown Pub in the centre of town opposite the Blue Pub has a main bar with annoying pokie machines. The fireside bar is more upmarket with leather couches in front of the fire so it is aptly named, but unfortunately you can still hear the pokies. The fireside bar spills into the café/formal dining area which is very aesthetically pleasing, and serves good pub fare.
The Steel-Worx bar is a favourite amongst the locals.
Methven Restaurant & Bar Listings
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The Last Post Cafe
This is an absolute gem of a restaurant; one of our favourites. Superb cuisine and a warm and cozy atmosphere with a big open fire. There is also a great bar for small groups.
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Bavarian Restaurant & Bar
A European dining experience in Methven. German & Austrian beer & cuisine. Also a great place to hang out for apres. A must do if you are staying in Methven.
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The Blue Pub
Great pub & restaurant meals available. Also one of the best places to hang out for apres after a big day of skiing. Share your stories of triumph over the bar & a cool ale.
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Ski Time Restaurant & Bar
Open fire, beautiful decor & local cuisine. Perfect for a drink on the way back from Mt Hutt to Methven or for a special night out. Make sure you book as it can be very busy.
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The Brown Pub
Dine by the cosy open fire or have a drink with the locals in a true kiwi country pub. The restaurant provides quality pub food from fresh local produce also available as takeaway meals.
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