What better way to while away a couple of hours on a wet, wintry Sunday than lunching in an old pub. The Manakau Hotel, halfway between Levin and Otaki on SH1 was offering Sunday Roast Dinners and we were keen to try it out. Fellow food lovers Geoff and Eileen joined us there for lunch. With a family party of 30 already ensconced, we were asked to come a little later, and our booking was for 1.00pm.
Built in 1920, the pub has been around for a while. And had it’s share of ups and downs. So we thought we would give the new managers a try, make a booking, and enjoy a tasty pub lunch. And we weren’t disappointed at all.
Manakau Hotel
The family group of 30 were tucking into their meals as we arrived, and we waited for our friends to join us. What’s for lunch we wondered? Oh goody, roast pork, my favourite.
Sunday lunch menu
Geoff and Eileen soon arrived, and we sat in the dining room and chatted for a while. I asked the helpful waitress if she would take a photo for me, and sure enough, she was happy to help. But what’s this? We’ve been “photo-bombed” by the manager!
Out for Sunday Roast, with the manager in the background
Large plates of roast pork, gravy, apple sauce and plenty of veggies were soon delivered to our table. Then the serious business of eating took over, and our plates were soon cleared. Our dessert was apple crumble served with ice-cream and whipped cream. It was a lovely meal, and very reasonably priced. We said our goodbyes, parted company, and had a look around outside.
Manakau is a little settlement with a lot of history. The hotel was opened in 1920, and the Post Office building, now a private home, some 15 years or so earlier. And the local school was up and running from 1888. Tucked away under the trees was the War Memorial, listing those from the area who made the ultimate sacrifice in WW1. A further plaque has been added with names from WW11. It is always amazing what interesting things can be found in these little places.
Manakau War Memorial
No comments:
Post a Comment