37 Normanby Road,
Mt Eden
Auckland,


09-638 4560

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4 out of 5 stars

To paraphrase the old Speight’s TV ad, “It’s a hard road being a Warriors supporter”, and this year the team have continued to put their most loyal of fans through another on again/off again season. I guess if I was a really keen fan I’d actually be at Mt Smart for Ruben Wiki’s testimonial match, but with Auckland’s rain also falling on an on again/off again basis, I decide to watch the game in cosy pub.

The Cardrona Speight’s Ale House has been in Mt Eden’s light industrial heartland for a few years now, but I still can’t get used to its familiar South Island façade this far north. Even Aucklanders are proud of the South Island’s down-to-earth heritage, and even though the feeling is rarely mutual, it doesn’t stop urbanites from crowding into this relatively authentic replica of a Central Otago pub.

This afternoon, most people are in to watch the Warriors match, and I manage to nab a space on one of the old tractor seats that add to the quirky, heritage decor. They’re not the most comfortable, so I spend the game half-sitting/half standing. The attached restaurant does hearty food like burgers, steak, and ribs, but I go for the thoroughly Jafa option of bread and dips. A real Southern man would probably snigger at me, but that’s all I feel like, OK?

At least I’m drinking like a real Southerner with a handle of Speight’s Pilsener. The Mt Eden Ale House is one of the only places around town that has the full Speight’s range of tap, and there’s usually a smattering of the seasonal brews as well. The winelist is perfunctory, and there’s no overt evidence of cocktails. Remember, this place has got proud Central Otago roots.

On the big screen that’s lies hidden behind rustic shutters when it’s not being used, the Warriors are demolishing Penrith. A few people make the observation that if they win next week, they can even make the Top 8 playoffs. A few of us buy another beer to celebrate and look forward to next week’s game. I can definitely think of worse places than the Cardrona to watch the match. Maybe I’ll see you there.

In the meantime see you there on Wednesday night to watch the All Blacks play Samoa.