Pub in the Hub: Welles Street

“It’s going to be a winter wonderland here,” Tom Newfield says of the Welles Street Winter Fest from 8 to 14 July. “Every night of the week, there’ll be something different happening. It’s been something we’ve wanted to do for a long time, so we’re very excited!”

With a jam-packed agenda featuring mulled wine and cider, a pop-up European beer tent in the heart of the pub, live music, comedy acts, trivia quizzes, competitions, a fondue night and a spit roast in the beer garden, this will be an unforgettable festival.

Local singer and songwriter, Jed Parsons, entertains on the Saturday night, while Sunday heralds something of a first for Christchurch – a European-style market inside Welles Street (yes, inside the pub!) with premium European beers, wines, gourmet cheeses and other delectable nosh for sale.

“Welles Street follows in the tradition of those inner-city pubs found in places like Melbourne and London. There’s a great neighbourhood vibe here; it’s family oriented – a place where you can come as you are, bring the kids, the dog and relax. Our menu offers everything from pub classics to rotisserie chicken and Mediterranean influences; it’s food made for sharing – big meals that are tasty and flavoursome,” Tom says.

Welles Street Winter Fest is free entry, open daily from 11am all week. Mark it on the calendar then round up your mates. Find it at 44 Welles Street, phone 03 366 0172 or email letsmeet@wellesstreet.co.nz. Open 7 days, 11am until late.