Union Post occupies a character-filled older building on the Main Highway in the heart of Ellerslie, and it has grown into exactly what its name promises: a local spot to meet, eat and unwind. Whether you're catching up with friends, bringing the family or stopping in for a drink, the formula stays the same — contemporary dishes, seasonal cocktails and a space made for easy conversation and good times.
Regulars describe it as the kind of pub where you can tell the staff genuinely care. Reviews name-check team members like Sarah, Harry, May and Tim for service that is friendly, attentive and fun in equal measure, and one returning local — back after two decades abroad — found Union Post once again his destination of choice, praising the impeccable welcome, tasteful decor and a good selection of tap beers.
The kitchen keeps things simple and seasonal: fresh, modern dishes with a curated drinks list to match, suited to everything from long lunches to relaxed dinners. Burgers are the headliners, a panfried gnocchi looks after vegetarians, and Saturdays belong to the dedicated Steakhouse menu. Beyond dinner, there are weekly specials, local events, a sports offering and a proper functions programme — the private Aubrey Room, the courtyard and the main bar between them host everything from birthdays to corporate parties, with tailored food and drinks packages. Part of the Good Spirits Hospitality family of venues, Union Post is an easy choice for a casual night out or a bigger occasion.
Union Post sits on the Main Highway in the heart of Ellerslie, in one of those handsome older buildings that feels like it already has stories to tell. It has become exactly what the name suggests: a local post where people meet, eat and unwind. Whether you're catching up with friends, bringing the family or stopping in for a drink, the idea is the same — easy conversation, good times and a space that welcomes you without fuss.
Regulars describe it as the kind of pub where you can tell the staff really care. Reviews name-check team members like Sarah, Harry, May and Tim for service that is friendly, professional and genuinely fun. One longtime local, returning to Ellerslie after two decades abroad, found Union Post was once again his local destination — praising the impeccable welcome, the tasteful decor and a good selection of tap beers.
The kitchen's approach is simple: seasonal ingredients, contemporary flavours and a drinks list to match. The menu runs across Mains, Pizza, Snack, Lite, Sides and Dessert, so there's room for both a proper dinner and a snack over drinks, whether you're in for a quick bite or a long catch-up.
Burgers are the headliners. The Classic Cheeseburger stacks double beef patties with American cheese, bread and butter pickles, onion rings, tomato relish and a maple bourbon BBQ sauce in a brioche bun, with fries alongside. Its stablemate goes in a different direction — crispy fried chicken, honey soy mayo, onion rings and kimchi slaw for a gochujang kick. Vegetarians are looked after too: the panfried gnocchi with butternut squash, parmesan, lemon brown butter and crispy sage is a proper main rather than an afterthought.
The menu is clearly marked as well — vegetarian dishes, vegetarian and vegan options, and any dish with no gluten option are all flagged, so ordering around dietary needs is straightforward.
Come the weekend, the kitchen pivots to its Saturday Steakhouse menu — a dedicated steak night with a following of its own. One diner described a steak cooked to perfection during a laid-back dinner, and steaks keep coming up in reviews as a reason to recommend Union Post for a casual night out.
Behind the bar, the curated drinks list is designed to match the food: seasonal cocktails that rotate through the year — mulled wine made a memorable appearance at one company party — alongside tap beers and the rest of a proper brew bar line-up.
There's always something on, from weekly specials to local events, plus a sports offering for the big games. It's the kind of place you can drop into any day of the week and find a reason to stay a little longer.
Functions are a genuine strength. The private Aubrey Room hosts everything from milestone birthdays and gender reveals to company parties, while the courtyard and main bar flex to suit different groups — one reviewer brought a party of 20 for a Sunday late-afternoon dinner and still had plenty of seating to spare. Food, drinks and entertainment packages can be tailored, and the team is credited with keeping events running smoothly from planning through to the last toast.
Families are welcome too. One parent arriving hangry and in a rush reported that the colouring and pens provided for their toddler were a huge hit, and that the food was extremely tasty — high praise from a table under time pressure.
Union Post is part of the Good Spirits Hospitality family of venues, alongside spots like Charlie Farleys, The Fox and O'Dowd's. You'll find it at 124 Main Highway, Ellerslie, with table bookings available online — worth doing for weekends, steak night or bigger groups. Questions can go to the team on 09 579 2303 or by email, and gift cards are available if you'd rather let someone else pick their own good time.
For Ellerslie locals and visitors alike, it adds up to a rare thing: a neighbourhood pub with a menu that takes food seriously, a bar that changes with the seasons and a team that makes people want to come back.