Thistle Inn, Wellington, won a key title at this year's Estrella Damm Top 50 New Zealand Gastropub Awards for the second year in a row.
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. One of the big winners of the night was Wellington pub Thistle Inn, which took out the prize of Best in the Lower North Island for the second year in a row, along with Best Paired Meal. Both pubs have a variety of reasons for shining the way they do.
Thistle Inn, Wellington, proudly claims the title of ‘the oldest pub’ in New Zealand. The site’s original tavern opened in 1840 but was recently refurbished to blend its historic roots with today’s aesthetic. For owner Richard Walshe, it’s a place ingrained in Wellington's culture and roots.
“Being able to create institutions in the city that people love and are proud of is the best part,” said Walshe.
“We want to create spaces where people can be proud of Wellington and feel comfortable bringing friends and family.”
Part of its charm is in the way the pub uses music. For them, it’s not just about throwing together a playlist. They work with a company overseas to help them curate playlists based on insights from the pub’s atmosphere. Walshe works with them to set the vibe and type of music they play from day to night.
“It’s a bit of an old-world sound mixed with Kiwi stuff for the day, while funk and soul sounds take us into the night,” said Walshe.
The team has put thought into every little detail, to tailor the music to the mood.
“We wanted it to be nothing super modern, no electro music but more classic, jazz a bit of funk and soul. Eclectic every day.”
Music, according to Walshe, is all part of the package, and the reason they acquired their OneMusic license.
“You have to offer everything. Good food, booze, venue and the music all have to fit in there.”
The overall experience fits into the pub’s nostalgic feel. Its traditional historic features are highlighted through the refurbishment, along with a strong emphasis on elevated food, options for private dining and perfect service. Plus, they even offer historical tours for those history buffs who want to know how Thistle Inn stayed solid at the centre of an ever-changing capital.
With their new wins from the 2025 Gastropub Awards, Thistle Inn has proven that it has stood the test of time and is here to stay.
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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