Frings Bar & Eatery
What makes your venue the Best Gastropub in New Zealand?
Frings Bar & Eatery or "FRINGS" as our locals know it. Located a stone's throw from Whangarei's iconic town basin. It has been around for twenty plus years. Originally starting out as a purpose-built brewery. Over the years it has undergone many changes.
Today, we no longer brew our own beer. However, we provide 10 ice cold tap beers, including MACS, Speights, Panhead, Steinlager and Zeffer cider. As well as a large range of wines, spirits and non- alcoholic drinks. Add to this our delicious woodfired pizzas (using our own in-house recipe for the bases) and burgers etc. we are also becoming known as the venue with "LIVE MUSIC" offering bands and DJ's almost every Friday night.
Describe the experience your customers have at your establishment – what is your food and beverage offering and why do people come back for more?
Frings Bar & Eatery offers a laid back, relaxed atmosphere to enjoy a drink and/or something to eat. Watch your woodfired pizza being cooked while enjoying a cold beverage (or two LOL). whether you have just knocked off work or taken the dog for a walk, our outside (smoking)area is perfect to catch up with friends and meet new people. Friday nite is the time to dance the night away with "live music".
Tell us how you showcase NZ produce / offerings? Does your menu change with the season and how is it locally influenced. How do you accommodate allergy and dietary requirements?
our menu is fairly generic; how ever, in winter, we do offer Lamb shanks, bangers and mash. You know, traditional hearty pub meals. We have gluten-free options available as well.
What are your key points of difference and how have you managed to deliver them?
Do you remember "Cheers" the T.V. program? Where does everyone know your name? Well, that's us! with over 60 members in our handle club having a chance to win a beer speaks for itself. Add to that bringing live music back after covid times has proved to be a winner. As well as becoming home to The Rock radio station's Annual Countdown each year in Northland. Having a traditional woodfired pizza oven, where you can watch your pizza being cooked, has also created a key difference.
Best Known for:
Live music & DJs
Woodfire Pizza
Laid back, relaxed atmosphere
Please describe your commitment to sustainability.
Having a menu and the right portion sizes eliminates waste. Also, trying to limit the use of single-use plastics.
Have you won any awards in the recent past? Tell us about them.
We had won The Stuff Loved Local award in 2022, a promotion Stuff.co.nz ran where consumers voted for their favourite local.
Please describe how you create ambience.
We have what we call the "hut" with a stage and lighting our bands rock the customers every Friday night.
