Hands up if you love food?

Somewhere I love that is a bit off the radar for some is the wonderful gastro pub The Thistle Inn, just off Murphy Street in Thorndon! You might have seen it walking past after work if you are located around Molesworth Street but perhaps never have been in. If that is the case, I urge you to check it out. You're in for a treat!

The Thistle Inn is the oldest pub in Wellington. The mix of old and new come together really well where historic images are mixed with the freshest craft brews and service.

The Thistle Inn caught my eye after working nearby. I started to try to find any excuse I could to go there for a wine/beer/pork crackling (I know, I'm weird - I love cooked pork fat!). After stalking their Instagram account and posting some pictures of lovely wine and food I was invited with a gal pal come for a meal. And what a fabulous #thistleexperience we had!

My friend Becky, a proper UK pub goer to enjoy delicious menu, came in for support to eat a gorgeous feed from the rad Thistle Inn. We had the best time and really got stuck into our burgers. If you look at the picture above, you can see I clearly am NOT letting that chip go!

Also - check these burgers!! Heart eye emoji!

The Manager of the Thistle Inn is really into mixing things up - but he does it right. Richard pays respect to the heritage of the building and the classic dishes people expect at a great pub like this. But he also makes sure cool stuff happens, like hosting Holly Smith play at the end of last year. I love that he has really paid attention to detail. That's my kind of pub.

Becky was so happy to be full of food she danced all the way home.

A few weeks later I decided to go with Matt for dinner for a lovely date out. Their staff made us feel really welcome and well looked after all night, even though they had a big table to deal with in the main room. I sat at the same table as I had been at with Becky. We enjoyed some fabulous food off the menu and soaked up the atmosphere. I also love that at the Thistle Inn they have beautiful inside and outside flow - the little conservatory is perfect for a beer and chips or you can eat inside.

Matt ordered venison and I ordered fish and chips. Matt was appalled!! But come one - who can go past REALLY REALLY GOOD fish and chips. What can I say? I'm a simple girl at heart. I also may have a weakness for deep fried things....

I was truly happy with my crisply cooked chips and perfectly flakey fish. It was honestly the best food - and service - I've eaten in ages. Who else loves fish and chips!