Speight's Ale House Dunedin

Authentic and quirky, the Ale House serves as a lively bar in a brewery–restaurant setting. The menu includes a "drunken" steak (steak marinated in dark, malty porter) and tender Merino lamb shank, along with plenty of Speight's ales you can match with your meal. Heavy wood furniture, old brewing equipment, and a huge schist fireplace makes the place feel welcoming.

A good spot to try the full range of Speight’s beers (six/eight beer tastings $18/22); there are also decent pub meals on offer.

While it can't really be called a craft brewery, Speights is a Dunedin beer brand that goes right back to 1876. You can tour the brewery, sample a bunch of great beers and then retire to the Speight's Ale House restaurant for generous helpings of southern hospitality. Ribs, sticky chicken wings, smoked fish cakes, bangers and mash, mussels in white wine cream and lamb shanks are some of the hearty favourites you'll find on the menu.

One of New Zealand’s most iconic breweries, Speight’s, has its home brewery in the heart of Dunedin and the brewery tour is one of the most fun things to do when visiting. They’ve been brewing beer at the same site since 1876 and the tour shares some magnificent stories and insights about everything they do. You’ll get to see, smell and taste the ingredients that go into making their brews before the all-important tasting itself.

So, the Speight’s Ale House tour is not usually thought of as the height of romance, but I couldn’t help but feel like I was missing out. Most of my friends did the tour with their parents at some point, but neither of my parents are big drinkers, so I never got to experience the magic of seeing the Pride of the South behind the scenes. Then, like it was fate, I matched with a tinder boy named Gus*.

There are a number of Speight’s Ale Houses in New Zealand now, but the story of Speights started in Dunedin so it’s definitely worth checking it out plus the food here is great. I highly recommend checking out one of the Founders Favourites, which also includes some beer pairing suggestions. The Speights Brewery has been produced in this historic site since 1876 – it’s a true Dunedin classic.

The first of Speights’ ale houses, this is the ideal winter dining destination with its hearty meals and warm, woody interiors. Think southern fare classics like seafood chowder, blue cod, lamb shanks, steak and venison with a good array of vegetarian options as well. For beer aficionados this is the place to get your fix of special Speights brews, not available elsewhere in the country.

Dunedin diners have a great choice when it comes to evening meals and whatever your choice, seafood, New Zealand cuisine, Thai, Indian, Italian, wineries, Lebanese, Chinese, Korean, American style, contemporary, family friendly, bar and grill, vegetarian, gluten free or special occasion, the list goes on… and you can find it all here in Dunedin city!

Speight's Brewery, established in 1876, is New Zealand’s oldest operational brewery. Experience a guided tour through the historic Dunedin site, learn about the brewing process, and enjoy tastings of award-winning beers. Visit the Alehouse next door for a tasting tray perfectly paired with your meal.

The Speight’s Ale House should be a first port of call for some of New Zealand’s best beer, from the source, before checking out Woof!. for great drinks and classic snacks, Albar for craft beer and whiskey, Arc Brewing Co. for craft beer, and Indigo Room for high-quality cocktails.

With a rich history in Dunedin, Speights Ale House offers tours and tastings regularly and is just a short walk from The Burlington. The Speights Ale House offers classic pub fare meals, with generous servings. For tours, you are required to have closed shoes.

Keeping it real with the cosy classic gastro-pub vibes, the OG Speights Ale House has all the rustic appeal to pair with the generous regionally inspired meals. Pull up a pew next to the fire and sample a few of Speight’s finest, made right next door.

Before heading to the bar or restaurant, take a tour of the brewery. This is a large space, serving up hearty pub food and beer to match, with big-screen sports action and a noisy, fun atmosphere.

For a dining experience with a side of history, Speight’s Ale House, built in 1876, is the quintessence of Southern hospitality.