Mr Henry

About Mr Henry

Mr Henry is a welcoming dining destination situated in the heart of Patumahoe, focused on delivering the relaxed dining and drinking experience that locals and visitors look forward to when heading out.

Surrounded by an abundance of regional growers and artisan makers where fresh produce and craft goods are plentiful, the kitchen takes pride in highlighting seasonal ingredients across a diverse, flavour-forward menu. Dining here is designed predominantly around sharing, offering everything from craveable fried classics to vibrant, thoughtfully assembled seasonal plates.

Beyond the plate, Mr Henry champions local craft beverage producers, featuring regional brews, wines, and signature cocktails. Whether you are settling in by the fire on a cooler evening or soaking up the sunshine in the courtyard, it provides a warm, comfortable community hub for casual get-togethers, family outings, and lingering lunches.

Mr Henry: Fresh Local Produce, Shared Plates, and Countryside Hospitality in Patumahoe

Nestled along Patumahoe Road, Mr Henry has built a reputation around a simple, unpretentious philosophy: serve the kind of food and drinks people genuinely crave when heading out. Taking full advantage of its rural Franklin setting—where fresh market produce and artisan makers are right on the doorstep—the kitchen celebrates local provenance through a vibrant, approachable menu crafted for sharing.

From the moment you arrive, the atmosphere balances neighbourhood warmth with contemporary dining. Whether stopping in for a relaxed weekday lunch, a convivial family dinner, or an afternoon drink in the sun, Mr Henry leans into an easygoing hospitality style that invites guests to settle in and stay awhile.

A Menu Made for Sharing

Dining at Mr Henry centres predominantly on communal enjoyment. The extensive selection of starters and share plates caters to every palate, spanning comforting crispy favourites to light, punchy seasonal dishes. Guests can graze over house-smoked artisan olives, sun-dried tomato and olive garlic bread, and golden arancini filled with ricotta, spinach, and parmesan.

Seafood features prominently, reflecting classic New Zealand coastal tastes with modern twists. The creamy seafood chowder arrives packed with tender fish, prawns, mussels, and squid, while the mussel and prawn fritters are paired with a bright, charred corn and pineapple salad. Those who love casual bites can dive into buttermilk fried chicken with chipotle sauce, bang bang cauliflower tossed in sweet and spicy glaze, or steamed bao stuffed with slow-cooked pork or grilled haloumi.

Hearty Mains, Burgers, and Sunday Specialties

For diners looking for substantial fare, Mr Henry delivers satisfying mains alongside casual pub-style staples. The burger lineup showcases premium local proteins, led by the signature NZ beef and venison patty stacked with smoked cheddar, caramelised onions, and aioli on brioche, served alongside truffle-salted fries. Fresh battered snapper anchors the market fish and chips, while vibrant salads—such as grilled chimichurri chicken and Thai marinated beef—offer crisp, zesty alternatives.

From 5pm, the evening menu expands into hearty, comforting larger plates. Standouts include slow-roasted pork shoulder accompanied by smoked cheddar mash, green poached apple, and beer gravy, alongside fork-tender braised lamb shanks and smoky glazed beef short ribs. On Sundays, the restaurant highlights coastal comfort with dedicated steamed mussel pots, available in classic creamy white wine garlic or fragrant Thai red curry broth with garlic sourdough.

Spaces for Every Occasion

Mr Henry’s venue layout is intentionally adaptable. Expansive indoor dining areas feature warm corners and a cosy fireplace for cooler evenings, while the generous covered outdoor area and sunny courtyard provide the ideal setting for long lunches with friends and family. With a dedicated kids' menu and family-friendly activities designed to keep younger visitors occupied, parents can comfortably relax over craft beers, regional wines, or house-crafted cocktails and mocktails.

Finishing the meal is just as rewarding, with an indulgent dessert list featuring San Sebastian basque cheesecake, white chocolate crème brûlée with raspberry dust, warm churros, and premium scoops from Lewis Road Creamery. Rooted in its local community, Mr Henry remains a standout destination in Patumahoe for honest cooking, generous hospitality, and relaxed gathering.

Signature items

• Beef & Venison Burger
• Creamy Seafood Chowder
• Mussel & Prawn Fritters
• Bang Bang Cauliflower
• Oven Roasted Salmon
• Basque Cheesecake

Menu

Kids

• Fried Dumplings — Choice of pork, chicken, or vegetable with ponzu sauce and sesame
• Buttermilk Chicken — Crispy fried chicken with fries and salad
• Fish 'n Chips — Battered snapper bites with fries and salad
• Little Henry Burger — Beef, cheese, lettuce & pickle served with fries and tomato sauce

Salad

• Grilled Chimichurri Chicken — With charred corn, cucumber, cherry tomato, avocado & pineapple salad, drizzled with zesty lime & chilli dressing
• Thai Beef Salad — Tender strips of marinated beef tossed with fresh vegetables with a tangy Asian dressing, topped with crispy noodles and sesame seeds
• Moroccan Salad — Roast cauliflower with Moroccan spiced chickpeas, cumin roasted chicken, pomegranate molasses, mint yoghurt dressing and crispy leek, with vegetarian haloumi option

Sweet

• Kids Sundae Bliss — One scoop of vanilla ice cream with sprinkles, marshmallow, chocolate sauce & white chocolate crumble
• Churros — Crispy donuts served with warm chocolate sauce & whipped cream
• Mango Sorbet — With coconut yoghurt, passionfruit drizzle and toasted coconut
• Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream — Lewis Road Creamery vanilla ice cream with chocolate soil, white chocolate crumble and coconut caramel sauce
• White Chocolate Creme Brulee — With crunchy caramel and raspberry dust
• Basque Cheesecake — San Sebastian cheesecake served with Lewis Road ice cream, berry compote and candied walnuts

Mussel Pots

• Creamy Steamed Mussel Pot — White wine, cream, onion, garlic, and chives served with garlic sourdough
• Thai Red Curry Mussel Pot — Thai red curry, coconut cream, red onion, lime and coriander served with garlic sourdough

Share Plates

• Garlic Sweet Chilli Prawns — Pan-fried tiger prawns served with cucumber salad
• Bang Bang Cauliflower — Sweet & spicy cauli bites with slaw, garnished with spring onion and roasted sesame
• Loaded Fries — With bacon, mozzarella cheese, sweet chilli and sour cream
• Arancini — Crispy crumbed risotto balls filled with ricotta, spinach and parmesan, served with marinara sauce
• Fried Dumplings — Choice of pork, chicken, or vegetable with ponzu, sesame, spring onion & coriander
• Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken — Marinated chicken pieces, deep-fried to crispy and served with slaw & chipotle sauce
• Sticky Pork or Haloumi Bao — Slow cooked pork or grilled haloumi with cucumber, coriander, chilli, red onion & house sauce
• Salt & Pepper Squid — Lightly spiced, crispy fried calamari served with tartare sauce and lemon wedge
• Mussel & Prawn Fritters — Served with a charred corn, cucumber, cherry tomato and pineapple salad with chilli sour cream

Larger Plates

• Oven Roasted Salmon — With potato and parmesan croquette, seasonal greens & tiger prawns finished with a rich prawn bisque
• Braised Lamb Shank — With creamy smoked cheddar potato mash, seasonal vegetables and lamb jus
• Beef Short Rib — Slow cooked and glazed in smoky BBQ sauce, served with fries and fresh seasonal salad
• Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder — With creamy smoked cheddar potato mash, served with green poached apple, seasonal vegetables & beer gravy

Burgers & Beyond

• Garden Stack Vege Burger — Brioche, vegetable patty, lettuce, tomato, pickle, red onion and buttermilk dressing, served with fries
• Buttermilk Chicken Burger — Brioche, fried chicken thigh, slaw, smoked cheddar, pickle and chipotle sauce, served with fries
• Beef & Venison Burger — Brioche, NZ beef & venison patty with smoked cheddar, lettuce, tomato, pickle, caramelised onion & aioli, served with fries
• Market Fish'n Chips — Battered Snapper served with seasonal salad and truffle oil fries

Sides & Starters

• Artisan Smoked Olives — Selection of olives smoked in olive oil with an assortment of aromatics
• Sun-Dried Tomato & Olive Garlic Bread — Grilled sourdough brushed with garlic & herb butter served with sun-dried tomato and olive tapenade
• Fries — With truffle oil, flaky sea salt & garlic aioli
• Side Salad — Lettuce, tomato and cucumber with a house vinaigrette
• Creamy Seafood Chowder — Tender fish, prawns, mussels and squid simmered with vegetables in a rich creamy base

Frequently asked questions

When is the all-day menu served at Mr Henry?

The all-day menu is available Wednesday through Sunday starting from 11:00 AM.

What time do the larger dinner plates become available?

The larger dinner plates—including dishes like the braised lamb shank, pork shoulder, and roasted salmon—are served from 5:00 PM onwards.

Are there special menu promotions during the week?

Yes, every Wednesday features a burger and beer or house wine special, while Sunday features specialty steamed mussel pots.

Does Mr Henry cater to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets?

Yes, the menu clearly labels items made with vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free ingredients, along with gluten-free burger options.

Is there a dedicated menu for children?

Yes, there is a dedicated kids' menu with options such as dumplings, buttermilk chicken, fish and chips, burgers, and ice cream sundaes.

Can I book a table in advance?

Yes, table reservations can be made directly online via the booking link on their website.

Tips

• {"body":"If you love shellfish, plan your visit for Sunday to order the specialty steamed mussel pots in creamy white wine or Thai red curry.","title":"Visit for Sunday Mussel Pots"}
• {"body":"Wednesday is a great night to visit for the midweek special pairing any burger with a beer or house wine.","title":"Take Advantage of Wednesday Burger Night"}
• {"body":"Head to the sunny courtyard for outdoor daytime dining, or sit indoors near the fireplace on cooler evenings.","title":"Choose Your Setting"}

Good to know

• {"family":"Dedicated kids' meal menu and activities available to keep children entertained.","dietary":"Extensive menu labels for vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free options."}