Sprig + Fern Petone is a craft beer tavern on Jackson Street, housed in the old Raynor & Woodward hardware store building, which has stood on the street for well over a century. The original brickwork is still exposed inside, and the timber sarking is kept around the fireplace, so the room feels warm and settled rather than fitted out for show. It is a neighbourhood pub at heart, and it suits a long afternoon with friends as well as a quick pint after work.
The tap list is the reason most people come. There are 20 taps pouring the full range of Sprig + Fern beers and ciders, all brewed in Nelson, along with seasonal guest brews. Three of the taps are kept for short-run limited releases, so the list changes, and reviewers often name the hazy releases and the craft beers. Fresh draught beer and cider can also be filled into takeaway growlers for the road.
The kitchen is built for sharing. Wood-fired pizzas come out of the oven, and the sharing plates are savoury snacks meant for a table of people working through a few pints. Customers mention the curly fries often, and a few say the snapper was fresh and cooked well. The outdoor area is a regular mention, so a sunny afternoon on the tables outside is a common choice.
Opening hours run from midday on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with a 2pm start on Monday and a midday start on Sunday. Most nights close at 11pm, with Monday, Tuesday and Sunday closing at 10pm.
Brewpubs grew up beside the neighbourhood pub, and a tavern that brews its own beer and pours it at a fair temperature is part of that tradition. The wood-fired oven matters here too, because a pizza straight from it is the natural partner for a fresh pint. The building and the beer both belong to the street, which is why this is a good place
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.