83 Birkenhead Avenue,
Birkenhead,
Birkenhead
Auckland,


(09) 480 0066

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3 out of 5

The sign outside the Slipp Inn says, “A high standard of dress is required at all times.”

It's a funny thing, that. It's a sports bar, after all. But it's not enforced—I think the fella sitting with his back to the entrance has interpreted the rule as 'extreme state of undress'. He's revealing more butt crack than a builders' convention.

This particular Sunday evening, though, the Slipp Inn can't afford to be choosy. It's pretty empty—perhaps to be expected for this time of year, although there is a headline cricket match showing on its five TV screens.

This is very much a sports bar, and out of the Speight’s / Southern Man mould. So even if you've not been here before, you'll feel like you have.

It's decked out with wood panelling (floors, walls and ceilings), and the bar is built of stone and wood. There's a stag's head on the wall, sentimental southern tat in display cabinets, stool seating around most of the bar, dining seating on a mezzanine and a couple of pool tables.

The beer selection is broad, as you might expect, and the wine list reasonable, with nothing over $36.

The food is well-presented and tasty. The Slipp clearly takes some pride in it: the kitchen opens onto the bar area, and the chef seems part of the furniture.

I go for a juicy Scotch fillet for $20, done perfectly to the medium rare I request. Other (cheaper) options are Thai curries, sharing platters, salads and mussel fritters.

I've got friends who live nearby, so I'll probably come back to watch a game on the big screen in winter—the bar is reputed to get five deep then, with a brillaint atmosphere.

And I might come back sooner for some more Shore sedateness and another one of those steaks.