Ministry Of Works Bar And Eatery
+64 3-435 3257+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Tue
2:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Wed
2:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Thu
2:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Fri
2:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Sat
2:00 pm - 9:00 pm
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
Travellers' Choice 2023
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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PRICE RANGE
$9.00 – $38.00
CUISINES
Brew Pub, Bar, European, Street Food, New Zealand
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
meals, features
Does this restaurant serve alcohol?
Details
About
Twizel's social meeting place, combining great food, craft beers and fabulous wines! This contemporary space also plays homage in its design to the Ministry of Works era, the reason that the Twizel township was created. A welcoming vibe and space to enjoy, open every evening till late.
PRICE RANGE
$9.00 – $38.00
CUISINES
Brew Pub, Bar, European, Street Food, New Zealand
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free off-street parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music, Playgrounds, Dog Friendly, Family style, Non-smoking restaurants, Gift Cards Available
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4.5
240 reviews
Excellent
134
Very good
69
Average
23
Poor
7
Terrible
7
Brittany
Dunedin6 contributions
Jun 2021 • couples
I ordered a steak and my partner ordered the lamb, both of these were perfectly prepared and so so tasty. This is easily the best steak I’ve had in NZ and I’ve lived here for 24 years. The food was surprisingly cheep given how incredible it was and the mulled wine recommended to us by the waiter was a bit hit. I cannot recommend this place enough, I hope to be able to come back sometime soon 🤤
Written 10 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisette van Baarsen
Wow, what an incredible review. We feel honoured and it makes us so feel so proud! Thanks heaps for your kind words and we would love to see you back next time!
Written 12 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
5gomad
Christchurch63 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
Such a pleasure to go to a restuarant/bar that offers really good food (chicken and beef burgers really tasty, pizza a hit with our 10 year old). All at reasonable prices and great service to match. Busy Sunday night but orders came promptly, a spilled coke was cleared up and a replace brought (winning my son's undying love) and was even chased down the street when we left our coat. Makes you realise how often you settle for less when you have a really good experience on the road!
Written 25 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
355rebeccag
Dunedin104 contributions
Jun 2021 • couples
We came over for dinner over Queens Birthday weekend. We expected it to be busy so tried to book but they don't take bookings for less than four. So we took the gamble in the poyring rain, the first question they asked when they met the two of us was have you made a booking? We obviously hadn't since there were only 2 of us. They seated us at a Bar Leaner, with pthers very close either side. But from there things improved. Our waitress who arrived was really friendly timed things well and the food was fantastic. We had the cauliflower bites, Lamb Rump & a burger all were full of flavour but the lamb was the stand out really recommemd!! The only other issue i had was that a bar staff member (not our waitress) came over and grabbed my glass before my drink was finished just had a little left but still i wasn't even offered a replacement. At that point there were a lot less people. I would definitely go back here but avoid busy times and i think they should accept bookings for any number.
Written 7 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisette van Baarsen
Hi Rebecca,
Thank you for taking the time to write this extensive review. This definitely is feedback we take aboard and will work on. Highly appreciated. We´re looking forward to see you back in the future!
Written 8 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nicole
83 contributions
Jun 2020 • none
This bar has a great ambiance as soon as you walk in. We instantly felt comfortable and the friendly and helpful waiters added to this. We sat down early in the evening so received our food very quickly, but the food was pretty average for the prices. It really is just classic bar food and nothing fancy, and we felt like we had a lot of grease in our stomachs afterwards. There isn't much on the menu other than typical bar snacks, burgers and pizzas, and the portions were a tad on the small side. We would return but it wouldn't be our first choice in Twizel.
Written 30 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
5 Traveling Monkeys
10 contributions
Nov 2021 • family
For starters very slow service and overwhelmed staff. I can get past that and understand this happens. BUT health and safety is another issue. We finally get water brought to the table as we were incredibly thirsty and going to the bar for the public water jug. It didn’t taste the same as the water in the bar jug but I was thirsty and it just tasted old… About 2/3 of the way through the bottle and my son says “WHAT IS THAT?!?” And I look and sure enough there are some grey gelatinous blobs floating in the water. I finally get the attention of the waiters and adore her and proceed to pour it out into a glass just to see what it actually was. Her response is “I’m so sorry that is so GROSS!” Repeats this multiple times and then disappears and comes back to say they’ll check the other jugs later on tonight. When our food finally arrived I ask to speak with a manager who apparently wasn’t going to come over on her own to address the issue. Basics of conversation is that she can get us some free juice or soda… that’s it. While she’s standing there my son pulls a very long hair out of my husband’s burger and she said “are you kidding me? I can Comp the burger.” She gets my info to address it with the owner and says he’ll get back to me so we’ll see. I won’t be dining here again and really hope I don’t get sick from this whole ordeal…
Written 19 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nicov219
Good day Hagezam, thank you for taking the time to speak to the owner on the phone. We are devastated that you had a sub-par experience with us and have taken steps in our operation to ensure that anything this unacceptable don't slip through the cracks in future. Thank you for bringing these issues to our attention, we aspire to continually improve our service and value your input. We hope to see you soon with the voucher we offered in order for us to improve your experience with us. Have a good day.
Written 1 December 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BazJackSalisbury
New Forest National Park Wiltshire336 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
This place looks like a trendy bar from the outside that might put off older clients (like me!). However, calling early the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming for all including families with young children.
We weren't particularly hungry so shared the wings, teriyaki pork and arancini. These were all very tasty and well presented.
A good choice of beers and the prices are reasonable. I would definitely recommend to all.
Written 30 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jobehan
42 contributions
Sept 2022 • friends
What an amazing experience!
Our family and friends went there to have dinner and it was great!
The were very accommodating to our requests, specially when I asked for a buffalo cauliflower burger (you should totally put that on the menu).
The atmosphere was fabulous and felt very welcoming. The staff were attentive and service was quick.
Written 18 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisette van Baarsen
Thanks so much for your amazing review! Glad to see your whole family enjoyed dining with us. And yes, maybe we should put it on the menu indeed...... ;)
Written 18 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Brittany Baugh
Christchurch13 contributions
Jun 2020 • none
Good bar food with gluten free and vegetarian options available. Good to see gluten free buns not just bread as a substitute for burgers. Coeliacs beware, the fryer is not gluten free so would swap for a side salad.
Written 7 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RiCheeseman
Picton28 contributions
Jun 2021 • family
We are so glad we booked - people were being turned away as we arrived at 6. Service was friendly and the food was great. We really enjoyed the mulled wine and the Burke’s Porter on tap. One of us enjoyed the beef burger - the rest shared pizzas chicken wings loaded fries and buffalo cauliflower with blue cheese sauce. The Cauliflower was everyone’s favourite though it was all really good!
Written 14 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisette van Baarsen
Thank you so much for your amazing review! It means a lot to our hard working team. We hope to see you back in the future :)
Written 22 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KarenML2014
Dunedin59 contributions
Apr 2023 • family
Busy time, appeared chaotic on arrival.
Lovely waitress but we were sitting waiting to order for a period of 10 minutes. Friendly staff. Meat came out rare, wasn't a problem for staff to take backfor further cooking.
Meal came out quickly
When making payment, people standing waiting appeared unorganized. Not sure how they could tell who had already paid for meals.
Written 8 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisette van Baarsen
Hi Karen, thanks for taking the time to review us. We indeed had a super busy Easter weekend! We very much appreciate your patience during your visit and are glad to read you enjoyed it.
Written 10 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Toni-Wayne
Christchurch449 contributions
May 2021 • couples
We visited on the Sunday of Queen’s birthday weekend and really loved it. We only had a couple of craft beers and the loaded fries but it was the perfect afternoon bar snack. The loaded fries were super delicious and a little indulgent but we were on holiday so it was all good.
This place has a decent selection of craft beers and was a cosy environment on a cold winters afternoon.
We will definitely come back next time we are in town.
Written 27 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisette van Baarsen
Hi Toni-Wayne, thank you so much for your awesome review! Reading things like this really makes our day and means a lot to our hardworking staff.
We're glad you enjoyed your beers and loaded fries and hope to see you back next time you're in Twizel!
Written 28 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stefano B
29 contributions
Jan 2024 • couples
OK. YOU HAVE TO GO HERE IF YOU'RE IN TOWN. New owners and Manager (KC) have upgraded the experience massively. The lamb rum with lentils was nothing short of spectacular (lentils are not easy to get perfect and the lamb was tender, perfectly cooked medium rare, and with a light ' not too lamby' flavor) and the fish and chips perfectly cooked (crispy, moist fish, tender chips).
The bar service is excellent as KC ran the busiest cocktail lounge in Auckland for the last several years. He knows his cocktail stuff and has a solid selection of whiskeys for those so inclined. BUT here's the sign of a person who cares: I ordered a Negroni but had to run out to take care of a quick errand. My wife kept asking when I was coming back because KC was concerned that the ice cube (large, square, as it should be) was diluting my negroni. I hurried back. When I came back, the drink was gone. KC was busy making a fresh one for me. No charge. No fuss. And it was perfect (right gin, right vermouth, Campari, 3 drops of bitters). I saw some other great plates go by.
Atmosphere feels more like a sports bar than a high-end foodie joint / cocktail lounge... but the music is fun and the ambiance festive. We looked closely at a fancier nearby restaurant ... I think you'll eat best at MOW.
Written 11 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisette van Baarsen
Hi there, thank you so much for leaving us this amazing review! Fair to say, we're quite blown away by your kind words. Thank you for taking the time to write this and it's great to see you really loved your experience with us. Hopefully we'll see you back some day in the future! :)
Written 14 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
James D
Southampton128 contributions
Dec 2022 • family
My cousin and I were staying in Twizel for one night, and popped in for a couple of drinks and dinner.
A good selection of beers and some nice local wines.
The food was as expected - decent bar food (as ordered - they had more restaurant items on the menu) that was well presented and very tasty.
We started with some chicken wings and buffalo cauliflower. Very tasty but the sauce would have benefited from more Blue Cheese.
Two burgers followed, one with cheesy chips, and these were really nice. The chips were exceptional.
Staff were really courteous and efficient. Great service.
Can recommend. A relaxed vibe, you get what you expect. If the beer was slightly better value it would be 5 stars.
Written 9 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisette van Baarsen
Hey Jimbo, thanks for leaving us this extensive review. We're sure this will be super informative for other visitors so appreciate you taking the time to do this. Great to see you enjoyed your meals and beers while visiting! Very much appreciate the point of feedback you've given us on why it's a 4-star review as oppose to 5 stars (as we obviously strive for the 5-stars :)). This helps us reflect on what we do! We assume you think the beers maybe a bit expensive? However, $12 - $13 for a craft beer from breweries like Behemoth, Parrotdog and Rhyme X Reason (just to name a few) is a pretty standard pricing these days we think. We do have cheaper options, like a Scotts lager ($10) on tap, or Heineken/Corona/Speights on bottle. Anyway, we hope to see you back in the future for another round of burgers and beers! :)
Written 11 December 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
NelsonNZ
Nelson-Tasman Region91 contributions
Mar 2022 • none
Went here last night for dinner. Ordered the fish and chips and was very disappointed in the meal we received. To me batter on fish should be golden brown, not dark brown looking almost burnt. It was not very tasty, and the gurnard didn’t taste like gurnard. Also didn’t even get a salad. The chips were fine. Would not recommend ordering this dish.
Written 16 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nicov219
Hi There, thank you for taking the time to write the review. We appreciate the feedback and are looking into the points you raised.
Written 20 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
vcoopz
Christchurch32 contributions
Apr 2021 • couples
My husband and I went to MW on a Wednesday night and managed to get a table. The service was great the entire time and very attentive.
We ordered the buffalo chicken wings, buffalo cauliflower bites, and the loaded fries.
The loaded fries were delicious. The wings and cauliflower were ok. We were expecting full on buffalo sauce but we didn’t really get this and there wasn’t a tonne of flavour to be honest.
Written 30 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisette van Baarsen
Thank you for your review. We are glad to read that you've enjoyed our service. We appreciate the feedback regarding the wings and cauli bites and will take this up with our kitchen team. Again, thank you for taking the time to review us!
Written 6 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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