Fantail & Turtle has shone as one of New Zealand's top gastropubs, and believed that, sometimes, all it takes is one song to stay on for another round.
Presented by Hospitality New Zealand, this year’s Estrella Damm Top 50 New Zealand Gastropub Awards took place in Auckland on 26th March, at Fantail & Turtle. The Takapuna based eatery was the 2024 Supreme Award winner, known for its bespoke cocktails, local beers, gorgeous meals and great vibes, and this year it was their turn to host.
There’s a lot to be said for 2024 Supreme Award winner Fantail & Turtle, which opened in Auckland’s Takapuna six years ago. It’s a business guided by core values of manaakitanga, kaitiakitanga, and whanaungatanga. It’s whānau-owned, fiercely independent, an award-winning bar, eatery and functions venue, but more than that, Fantail & Turtle is a testament to the enduring power of friendship, taking its name from owner Travis Field and his best mate Troy (Turtle).
The duo met during Army Officer training in Waiouru at the young age of 18. They quickly grew a strong bond, sharing many adventures together - including eventually meeting their wives on nights out in Auckland.
“It was an era of the best music and worst fashion, and I think it was our love for life, rather than our dance moves, that won them over,” laughed Field.
Sadly, in 2005, Troy found out he was dying and passed away in 2006, leaving a wife, twin boys, and a bereft mate.
“The legacy of their friendship, and perhaps a nod to some of their revelry, continues in Fantail & Turtle,” said General Manager James Wakefield.
“What drives us is bringing people together, and the challenge of creating an environment that seeds something that’s felt well after the last round, not only for our manuhiri, but importantly, our team too.Food and drinks might be on the menu, but the product is what you feel when you’re here, and the energy that lingers long after you’ve left.”
Fantail & Turtle considers music a vital element to the experience, they took on a OneMusic license to support the space.
“Music is massive to us! It’s the soundtrack to our service and the seasoning that ties it all together. Music sets the tone for everything, it shifts moods, shapes memories, even influences what people order,” said Wakefield.
And they need to be hot on the tunes, especially with their service times, as Functions and Events Manager Izzy Frankham described, they’re open for all-day grazing, and therefore, all-day music. A thoughtfully curated playlist enhances the dining experience, fuels conversation, and creates an inviting atmosphere.
“Sometimes all it takes is one song to stay on for another round, and before you know it your friends have convinced you to make a night of it - you can worry about picking the car up tomorrow,” Frankham said.
As for what these stick-around songs are, there’s no one answer.
“It’s eclectic, there’s probably not a single genre we haven’t played at some point,” said Wakefield.
“We give a lot of agency to our team on the day, because if they’re not feeling the vibe, no one will.”
For Fantail & Turtle, the best part of being in the hospitality industry is the ability to create a space for people to build genuine community and connection.
“All of our most memorable moments over the years will have involved music in some way,” said Frankham.
“I can think back to songs our team used to celebrate every big win, or that kept us dancing through each silly season (sorry, December). Even songs that sparked a dance floor when we least expected - it’s never just playing in the background; it’s part of the story.”
OneMusic has simplified music licensing for New Zealand businesses, and support the people who make the music customers love. A music licence can grant businesses the legal permission they need to play music, while helping to ensure that music creators are paid for the use of their work.
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