Entertainment in Marlborough & Nelson
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Free House
Come rejoice at this church of ales. Tastefully converted from its original, more reverent purpose, it’s now home to an excellent, oft-changing selection of NZ craft beers. You can imbibe inside or out. Hallelujah.
reviewed
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Gecko Theatre
When the weather closes in, pull up an easy chair at this wee, independent theatre for interesting art-house flicks.
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Mayfair Theatre
Resembling a pink liquorice allsort, this seafront picture house screens almost-recent releases.
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Vic
A commendable example of a Mac’s Brewbar, with trademark, quirky Kiwiana fit-out, including a striped, knitted stag’s head. Quaff a few handles of ale, maybe grab a bite to eat (mains $10 to $30) and tap a toe to regular live music, including Tuesday night jazz. Good afternoon sun and people-watching from streetside seating.
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Golden Bear Brewing Company
Micro-brewery with tons of stainless steel out back, and a dozen or so brews out front. Authentic Mexican food (burritos, quesadillas and huevos rancheros) will stop you from getting a sore head. Occasional live music, takeaway beers and tours.
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Brigand
Beyond the gates you'll find good food such as sandwiches, chowder and meaty mains served in a relaxed atmosphere. A garden bar and great baking feature, too. Equally important, the Brigand is the mainstay of the local entertainment scene; go for Thursday open mic and look out for other gigs.
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Strawberry Tree
A boisterous, atmospheric pub with couches, pool table, beer garden and Thursday night jam sessions. Much of the interior is built from historic materials salvaged from old mansions and dance halls. Journalistic antiwar photos adorn the walls.
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Totally Roasted Café
A sure bet for primo coffee from its own-roast organic beans, this ‘el rancho’ style walled garden cafe is also a winner for all-day breakfast. The full fry-up is a cracker, but the home-baked cakes, muffins and pastries aren’t bad either.
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Shark Club
Hankering to shoot some stick with the fiercest white pointers around? Head to this pubby pool hall with free pool from 17:00 to 19:00, drinks deals for backpackers, pool comps, jukebox and bar snacks (nachos, wedges etc).
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Seamus’s
A snug drinking den, pouring a reliable Guinness and a good selection of whiskies. Mix it all up with hearty bar food and regular live music, and you’ve got the recipe for the liveliest joint in town.
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Phat Club
DJs spin techno, dub, drum ’n’ bass, breaks and hip-hop, while big-name international and national bands frequently grace the stage. Ambassadors of the local dance-music scene for almost a decade.
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Whaler
A lively leviathan of a pub with good people-watching from the front seats, pool tables, big screens and a spartan deck upstairs. Monteith’s and Murphy’s on tap and a Neil Young soundtrack.
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Suave
A cool, split-level blues and jazz bar serving up a neat selection of tasty dishes (salads, burgers, lamb shanks) and good coffee. Open mic night Thursday; live music Friday and Saturday.
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Top Town Cinemas
Major Hollywood releases in the main cinemas, with more off-the-wall stuff screening in the ‘Lounge’. All tickets are $8 on Tuesdays.
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CPR
Get a fix of Blenheim’s own-roast coffee. There are muffins if you’re lucky, but it’s really all about the beans.
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Telegraph Hotel
The Telegraph Hotel is an old-fashioned pub if you fancy a quiet lager or pub meal.
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Junction Hotel
The Junction Hotel is an old-fashioned pub if you fancy a quiet lager or pub meal.
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Village Theatre
Demonstrating, yet again, provincial New Zealand's appetite for quality movies.
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State Cinema 6
This is the place to see mainstream, new-release flicks.
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Theatre Royal
Joan Rivers, eat your heart out, because the 'grand old lady of Nelson' (aged 134) has just had the face lift to end all face lifts. If you love heritage buildings and the performing arts, visit Everyman Records, find out what she's showing and book a ticket.
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Sprig and Fern
Recently born of the expanding Sprig and Fern family, this branch has upped the ante among Motueka's drinking holes. Small but pleasant, with two courtyards, it offers 20 hand-pulled beers, simple food (burgers, pizza, platters) and occasional live music.
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Roots Bar
Popular with the young 'uns and those who can still tap a toe, this music-focused joint has decent beer on tap, a garden bar, lively evenings and the odd tree root lending a little rusticity.
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8-Wired
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Paul’s Coffee Caravan
The dude with the tunes does the best brew in town from his van tucked into the Library carpark.
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