This rural pub set against the rolling hills in the eastern Wairarapa is authentic and welcoming. While there has been a pub here since the 1870s, the current single storey wooden building has its origins in the 1930s and retains some of the character of...that era. Popular with the locals, it is quite a contrast to the winery eateries in this part of the world with their wealthy clientele who are mainly visitors to the area, and their modern, designer interiors. The pub offers a menu featuring classic kiwi pub fare - fish and chips, pizzas, burgers, and the like - done well and generous in size. On a Sunday lunchtime, the carpark was full and we were pleased that we had called ahead to book a table. Inside there were large and small groups enjoying catching up over a meal - from a large family gathering featuring three generations to groups of couples and young families. Children were welcome but weren’t dominating the space. There were five in our party and a pleasant table by the window had been reserved for us. The vegetarian in our group chose a vegetable pizza which was tasty with a good base, while another of us is gluten intolerant and he was able to get a version of the Gladstone burger which used two slices of gluten free bread in lieu of the burger bun. I went for the Gladstone Burger proper - a tasty pattie, fresh fillings, great bun and excellent wedges too. The dining area that we were seated in has a lot of character, with a fireplace as its focal point and bits and pieces reflecting the history of the hotel and the surrounding area. Things can slow up a little when busy, but they are well organised and the wait is not too long.More
