Moon Under Water features all the best aspects of a classic pub that's up with the times when it comes to great brews, food and service. This isn’t really a surprise though as the name suggests nothing less.

George Orwell’s 1946 essay, “Moon Under Water”, dictates every item required to create his ideal public house. Orwell's perfect pub is quiet enough to talk in, always has a creamy stout on tap, has a snack counter, has staff that know patrons’ names and sells tobacco.

Moon Under Water ticks all the boxes (well, except that last one)….

Noise: In an age where most pubs have about ten TVs and constantly stream sport, Moon Under Water hasn’t a one. Not even the Rugby World Cup can sway them. This pub is quiet enough to talk in and the only noise you’ll find here comes from speakers humming out a respectable playlist. 

Stouts: If you like dark beer Moon Under Water is the spot for you. They don’t shy away from stouts, or any beer really (it just has to be delicious to earn a spot on their taps). However, Orwell knew stouts were a must and Moon Under Water does it well.

In recent years, Moon Under Water has hosted the New Zealand Stout Challenge which sees every tap go stout for one night only. The event has gained cult status with Punky Brewster joining the challenge alongside them. The selection process gets harder every year with over 50 breweries vying for the lucrative tap spots. 

But if you don’t like dark beer, don’t fear as master publican/owner Matt Kamstra sources one of the widest ranges of craft sours, pilsners, IPAs, APAs, lagers and ciders you’ll find. Be sure to look out for taps serving "Moon Unit"  brews from their associated brewing company. 

Snacks: Pizza and burgers! The two are ultimate beer pairing fare and Moon Under Water offers a variety of tasty, wholesome options that feature local ingredients and are total hunger busters. For those after a broader offering, a thoughtful, seasonal menu of choice eats is definitely worth perusing.

Staff who know your name: It’s just how Moon Under Water does business. This spot feels like a family hangout because it is. Everyone knows everyone, or they get to know you. People bring their dogs and sometimes stay all day.  They also care about the local community too, supporting local charities, sports clubs and organisations. So bring the whole gang, sit outside or in, order a pizza, drink a beer or three and make a day of it because you’re absolutely welcome to here. 

Tobacco: No smokes are sold here.