The Spotted Pig - CLOSED

Overview

Located in the historic building that was once the Grafton Post Office, and then in more recent times Squid Row, The Spotted Pig is the newest gastropub in central Auckland. It is a big wide open space, high ceilings, dominated by white walls, a large projector screen to watch the rugby, and a bar that runs the length of the room (just as Squid Row used to have). With so much white, and so much wide open space it maybe lacks that immediate sense of comfort or belonging you get from bars with a little more clutter and decoration. In some ways it feels like a location that would more fittingly be home to a high end restaurant than a pub with a name like The Spotted Pig. Regardless it is a simple, clean, modern fit out, that I'm guessing will get more vibrant as its history grows.

There is the option to perch on bar leaners or sit down tables, and also small outdoor courtyard area with tables. The menu is fairly simple, fairly well priced, and pretty much what you would expect from a pub feed. I had the Southern Fried Chicken, it was bloody huge. And at $21, I could not complain about the value for money. You could argue that the presentation was pretty plain and could definitely do with an extra something to give it a tiny bit of x-factor. The others at the table had decided to go with burgers, you can choose from chicken, brie and bacon ($15), or beef and cheese ($14). Both came with chips, this is the way I will be swinging on my next visit, they looked epic. We also (possibly unnecessarily) ordered a side of wedges at $5. These bad boys were far better value than many other places who would charge $10 for the same thing.

Other options on the menu include pork belly, chicken thai curry, and some tasty looking seafood and vegetarian options. With only having opened recently, the staff were extra-friendly and made sure that we were well looked after. All in all its a welcome addition to the revived Eden Terrace area, a good spot for a beer and a feed before a gig at the Powerstation. But it could maybe benefit from having a tiny bit more decoration added to its walls and a little extra spice added to its chicken. We look forward to returning in the coming months.