Sprig + Fern Tahuna brings the character of a neighbourhood tavern to a spot just across the playing fields from Tahunanui Beach. The classic weatherboard building, white picket fence and generous beer garden create an easy place to settle after time on the sand or a local match. Its beachside position shapes the mood: casual enough for a spontaneous drink, yet equipped for a full meal with friends or family rather than functioning as a drinks-only taproom.
Chef Tim Comber's kitchen gives the food its own identity alongside the brewery taps. The team cooks from scratch, extending that approach from house burgers to its IPA aioli, and balances compact sharing plates with more complete sit-down meals. That breadth suits different visits to the same room, whether the table wants a few snacks between rounds, a quick weeknight dinner or enough dishes to keep a family gathering around the table.
The menu moves comfortably between familiar tavern comfort and brighter international accents. House-cut chips and dirty fries sit beside beef-cheek bao, Thai chicken satay, fried chicken and mushroom fries. Larger choices have included pork and fennel sausages made with Sprig + Fern cider, beef and porter pie, a seafood pie and a falafel plate with courgette, spinach, olives, feta and dukkah. Chicken, smoked lamb and barbecue jackfruit tacos add another shareable route through the kitchen.
Beer remains central to the experience, with 18 taps devoted to Sprig + Fern beer, cider and hard soda, plus riggers available to take away. The tavern's local role extends beyond the bar: its weekly quiz helps raise funds for schools and charities, while sports sponsorships keep it connected to the surrounding community. Those touches make the venue feel rooted in Tahunanui, pairing a broad drinks selection and substantial food with the sociability of a genuine local.
Address: 13 Beach Road, Tahunanui, Nelson 7011, New Zealand
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