792 Great South Road,
Manukau
Auckland,


(09) 984 3264

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3 out of 5

With the TelstraClear Pacific centre now sharing the spoils of some of the larger touring artists to venture to these shores, we thought we’d find out what dining options are available for pre or post performance nosh.

The Bog Irish Bar sits atop a hill overlooking the Pasifika themed Manukau icon and has been in residence for the best part of six months. With only the Lone Star as competition in this area, it’s fair to say event-goers aren’t exactly spoilt for choice.

The impressively sheltered outdoor area complete with an open fire and big screen tv has the makings of an excellent posie to spend a summer’s afternoon catching the cricket, however this is mid July and far from tropical.

Inside, there’s no hiding the Irishness of it all. The main space is spacious but cosy, and on this night, very popular. The best spot in the house was on the long tables in front of the fire – unfortunately we were a fraction late for this but none the less were happy with our comfortable booth to the side.

Although certainly not a scientific observation, my companion and I thought that perhaps as many as ninety percent of those in attendance were actually dining – and the Guinness, well, dare I say it, was perhaps playing second fiddle to the grub.

I opted for a Guinness and my partner, a Riesling. Unfortunately, the service was super quick – raising serious doubts that my pint had enjoyed the full, double-pour treatment.

The menu is limited to nourishing, simple fare really – food you’d expect Nana Murphy to rustle up on her Agar stove.

To start, we shared the House Pate – the Chicken Liver and Brandy Pate offered a superb flavour that was complimented perfectly by the caramelized onion jam.

There’s something about a cold winters night that makes you appreciate simple, comfort food – and nothing personifies comfort for me more than the Beef and Guinness Pie. Lovely tender beef with a flakey pastry crown, perfect for soaking up the last of the thick broth although a little on the expensive side ($18 odd) given the lack of accompanying veges.

My partner’s choice of the Grilled Pork Loin was well received. A good-sized portion, the pork was succulent but the kumara chips left a little to be desired – both soggy and bland, this addition definitely le the side down.

With the total bill coming to just over $80 for two mains, a starter and three drinks, we both felt The Bog Experience was slightly overpriced given the location and ultimately the quality of the food. Still, if grandma ups sticks and moves to Tauranga, you now know where to go.