Bannockburn Hotel

About Bannockburn Hotel

Bannockburn Hotel is a Central Otago pub and eatery established in 1862, set on the hill just over the bridge from Cromwell, surrounded by vineyards and mountains. Now under new ownership, the family-run business - led by Jason and Clare - is focused on good food, good drinks and friendly service in a welcoming, community-feeling pub.

Inside, guests find a warm pub atmosphere with hearty food, New Zealand gins, craft beers, local wines, and a fireplace through the cooler months. In summer, the gardens open up for long lunches and casual drinks in the beer garden. The dinner menu covers entrees like salt and pepper calamari and stuffed portobello mushrooms, and mains including grilled pork ribs, a beef burger, sirloin and ribeye steaks, Reeja's signature butter chicken, and a seared salmon.

Bannockburn Hotel is pet friendly, welcoming four-legged locals, and is available for exclusive restaurant hire for birthdays, engagements, corporate dinners and special occasions.

Bannockburn Hotel: Central Otago History Since 1862

Set on the hill just over the bridge from Cromwell, Bannockburn Hotel has been part of Central Otago since 1862. Surrounded by vineyards and mountains, it's one of those classic regional spots where you can settle in, relax, and take in the views, whether it's a casual drink, an easy lunch, or dinner with friends after a day out exploring.

A New Chapter for a Local Favourite

Now under new, family-run ownership led by Jason and Clare, Bannockburn Hotel is focused on creating a welcoming space for everyone - locals popping in for a quiet beer, friends catching up over dinner, or first-time visitors to the region. From gold rush days through to today's thriving wine region, the old pub has long been a place where people come together over good food, drinks and conversation.

Hearty Food and a Warm Atmosphere

Inside, guests find a warm pub atmosphere with hearty food, New Zealand gins, craft beers, local wines, and a fireplace through the cooler months. The dinner menu opens with entrees like salt and pepper calamari and stuffed portobello mushrooms, before moving into mains such as grilled pork ribs, a grass-fed beef burger, and grilled sirloin or ribeye steak with a choice of sauce. Reeja's signature butter chicken and a pan-seared salmon round out the more distinctive offerings, alongside a vegetable stack for those wanting a plant-based option.

Summer Gardens and Year-Round Hospitality

In summer, the gardens open up for long lunches, casual drinks in the beer garden, and slow afternoons in the sun. Bannockburn Hotel is also pet friendly, welcoming four-legged locals alongside their owners.

Functions and Private Hire

Bannockburn Hotel is available for exclusive restaurant hire, providing a distinctive setting for birthdays, engagements, corporate dinners and special occasions.

Visiting Bannockburn Hotel

Bannockburn Hotel is closed Monday and Tuesday, and open Wednesday to Sunday, with the bar running from 12pm until late and the restaurant serving lunch, bar snacks and dinner from 12pm to 9pm. It's located at 420 Bannockburn Road, Central Otago. Note that a 15% surcharge applies on public holidays.

Signature items

• Reeja's Signature Butter Chicken
• Grilled Ribeye Steak 250g
• Seared Salmon
• Beef Burger
• Grilled Pork Ribs

Menu

Sides

• House Salad — Side
• Seasonal Vegetables — Side
• Onion Rings — Side
• Fries — Side
• Roast Potatoes — Side

Entrees

• Soup of the Day — Hearty homemade soup served with warm bread and butter (gluten free option)
• Breads and Dips — Lightly toasted bread served with flavoured butters and dips
• Salt and Pepper Calamari — Squid lightly coated and cooked, served with lemon aioli (gluten free)
• Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms — Stuffed with spinach and hummus, sprinkled with feta and olive oil (gluten free, vegetarian)

Main Dishes

• Grilled Pork Ribs — Smoky tender glazed pork ribs, chargrilled, served with roasted potatoes and rocket salad
• Beef Burger — 170g grass-fed beef patty with melted cheese, red onion jam, pickles, speakeasy burger sauce, mustard, lettuce and crispy onion ring, served with fries; lettuce wrap option
• Grilled Chicken Burger — Grilled chicken breast with smoked paprika, herb mayo, pickles, bacon, tomato and lettuce, served with fries (gluten free option); lettuce wrap option
• Vegetable Stack — Grilled seasonal vegetables on romesco sauce with herbed pesto; add halloumi or vegan cheese (gluten free, vegetarian)
• Grilled Sirloin Steak 250g — Grass-fed sirloin, grilled to your liking with house basting, fries or roasted potatoes and side salad, choice of pepper, blue cheese or mushroom sauce
• Grilled Ribeye Steak 250g — Grass-fed ribeye, grilled to your liking with house basting, fries or roasted potatoes and side salad, choice of pepper, blue cheese or mushroom sauce
• Reeja's Signature Butter Chicken — Tender chicken simmered in a rich butter chicken sauce, served with basmati rice (gluten free, contains nuts)
• Seared Salmon — Pan seared salmon fillet with crisp skin, seasonal vegetables, creamy polenta and white wine sauce
• Caesar Salad — Cos lettuce, creamy Caesar dressing, shaved parmesan, crispy bacon, garlic croutons (gluten free option); add chicken

Frequently asked questions

Where is Bannockburn Hotel located?

At 420 Bannockburn Road, Central Otago, NZ 9384, on the hill just over the bridge from Cromwell.

What are the opening hours?

Closed Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday to Sunday, the bar runs from 12pm until late, and the restaurant serves lunch, bar snacks and dinner from 12pm to 9pm.

How old is Bannockburn Hotel?

It dates back to 1862, making it a long-standing part of Central Otago's history.

Is Bannockburn Hotel pet friendly?

Yes, four-legged locals are welcome too.

Can I book the venue for a private event?

Yes, exclusive restaurant hire is available for birthdays, engagements, corporate dinners and special occasions.

Does the menu cater for dietary requirements?

Yes, many dishes are marked gluten free or vegetarian, with vegan cheese available on request.

Is there a surcharge on public holidays?

Yes, a 15% surcharge applies on public holidays.

Tips

• {"body":"A standout dish on the dinner menu, served with basmati rice.","title":"Try Reeja's signature butter chicken"}
• {"body":"Bannockburn Hotel is pet friendly and welcomes four-legged locals.","title":"Bring the dog"}
• {"body":"Gardens open up for long lunches and casual drinks in warmer months.","title":"Enjoy the summer beer garden"}
• {"body":"The venue is available for exclusive hire for birthdays and corporate dinners.","title":"Book ahead for private events"}

Good to know

• {"family":"Kids menu available","dietary":"Many dishes marked gluten free or vegetarian; vegan cheese available on request","payments":"15% surcharge applies on public holidays"}