Sprig + Fern Petone is a welcoming craft beer tavern housed inside the historic Raynor & Woodward hardware store building on Jackson Street, dating back well over a century. The tavern preserves Petone's architectural character with extensive exposed brickwork and original timber sarking retained around the cosy fireplace, creating a warm, comfortable, and homely neighbourhood setting.
Run by local owner-operators Ian and Annette Wasson, the tavern offers 20 taps pouring award-winning Sprig + Fern craft beers, ciders, and hard sodas brewed in Nelson, alongside three dedicated guest lines for limited and seasonal releases. A casual dining menu features freshly prepared pizzas and sharing plates to complement the beverage selection.
A lively community hub throughout the week, Sprig + Fern Petone hosts regular entertainment including Tuesday evening quiz nights, Friday vinyl DJ sets, Saturday live music performances, and Sunday afternoon vinyl sessions, with takeaway rigger fills also available at the bar.
Jackson Street in Petone has long been renowned for its preserved architectural heritage and vibrant hospitality scene. Among its distinctive shopfronts sits Sprig + Fern Petone, housed within the historic Raynor & Woodward hardware store building dating back well over a hundred years. Inside, the space balances genuine historic character with the comforts of a contemporary craft beer tavern, featuring extensive exposed brickwork, original wall sarking preserved around a roaring fireplace, and an atmosphere geared around quality drink and great conversation.
The tavern is operated by Ian and Annette Wasson. After meeting in Australia, the couple spent twelve years working and traveling through bars, hotels, and restaurants around the globe. Upon returning home to Aotearoa New Zealand, trusted word-of-mouth recommendations led them to Sprig + Fern. Impressed by the community ethos and quality brewing, they stepped up to lead the Petone branch, creating a neighbourhood meeting place that feels deeply connected to its local community.
At the heart of the tavern stands an impressive bar with twenty dedicated taps. These pour the complete range of craft beers, ciders, and hard sodas from Nelson's Sprig + Fern Brewing Co., which has earned a reputation across New Zealand for clean, award-winning brewing. For those seeking fresh or unusual releases, three dedicated rotating taps showcase limited-edition brews and seasonal experiments, ensuring that regulars always have something new to explore.
Beyond beer, the bar serves a curated selection of wines and spirits, while a kitchen menu of sharing plates and pizzas offers hearty food suited for grazing over a pint or sharing around a table with friends and family. For customers who prefer to enjoy fresh draught craft beer at home, the bar also provides takeaway rigger fills.
Sprig + Fern Petone is known for its bustling calendar of community events. Tuesdays bring a popular weekly pub quiz starting at 7pm, drawing lively teams from across Lower Hutt. On Friday evenings, the tavern transitions into the weekend with a live DJ spinning vinyl records, followed by live musical performances every Saturday night. Sunday afternoons close out the week with a relaxed Vinyl Club session, giving locals a warm, music-filled haven to unwind by the fire or out in the patio dining area. With its blend of historic character, extensive tap selection, and engaging entertainment, Sprig + Fern Petone stands out as a genuine Jackson Street classic.