Kumeu Winery The Hunting Lodge Opens a New Garden Bar
The converted container bar and crate beer garden arrives in time for summer.
Just in time for the sunny season, Kumeu winery and restaurant The Hunting Lodge has opened a new garden bar which intends to pitch grape against grain.
The idea for the casual dining experience sprouted after Hunting Lodge winemaker Pete Turner and Liberty Brewing founder Joe Wood found themselves trying to figure out whether beer or wine was the best beverage match.
The rivalry will continue at the new space in the form of a tasting flight which offers two Liberty beers and two Hunting Lodge wines with a tasting platter by chef Des Harris. Diners are encouraged to fill in a scorecard with the drop they think pairs best.
Further items on Harris' new casual menu include a kimchi hotdog, a low 'n' slow beef brisket roll, and fries topped with onion, bacon and cheese sauce made with Liberty's Halo pilsner. An outdoor wood-fired oven will be used to pump out pizzas, spiced pork ribs and s'mores.
The new area sits in place of an old cafe next to the cellar door. A converted container bar also boasts 11 beer taps and comes stocked with all Hunting Lodge varietals, while the outdoor area has been transformed using up-cycled pallets to create a beer garden. It comes complete with a children's play area.
The Cellar Door & Lawn Bar is open from Monday to Thursday, 11am-6pm and Friday to Sunday, 11am-9pm.
Images: Cindy Leong.
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