Horse & Jockey is a public tavern in Upper Riccarton where the food offering is substantial enough to make dinner more than an accompaniment to a drink. The current menu is built around casual bistro and pub dishes, and the Yaldhurst Road venue also supports pickup and delivery during its afternoon and evening service. That makes it useful for several kinds of visit: an uncomplicated meal at the bar, a group ordering familiar plates, or a takeaway on the way across western Christchurch.
Burgers form the menu's broadest section. Smoked chicken comes with bacon, cheese, pickles and sauce in a garlic bun, while a separate fried-chicken version keeps the same generous structure. Beef diners can choose a smoky Angus smash burger with egg and bacon or a larger double-patty original. The fish burger uses a crisp crumbed patty with tartare sauce, and a vegetable patty gives meat-free diners a direct equivalent rather than leaving them to assemble a meal from sides.
The rest of the savoury menu follows a recognisable pub pattern. Chicken and beef schnitzels are served with fries and sauce, while steak appears either as rump with salad or in a straightforward plate with egg and chips. Wings can be plain, coated in barbecue sauce or given the sharper heat of buffalo sauce, and chicken nachos provide an easy sharing option. Fish, ribs, pizza and salads broaden the offer further, giving a mixed group more range than burgers alone.
The ordering format keeps decisions simple: most burgers arrive with fries, and steak or schnitzel can be adjusted with mushroom or peppercorn sauce, bacon or an extra egg. Dessert is equally uncomplicated, with vanilla ice cream served on its own or beside a brownie finished with chocolate sauce. None of this is trying to turn a neighbourhood tavern into formal dining; its strength is a clear, filling selection that works consistently with the venue's relaxed pub role and evening takeaway service.
Address: 8 Yaldhurst Road, Upper Riccarton, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
Been to Horse & Jockey? Be one of the first to rate it.
+ Log your visit
