ASHBURTON SPEIGHT`S ALE HOUSE

Generous To
A Fault.
B R E W E R ’ S N O T E S M en u
ASHBURTON SPEIGHT’S ALE HOUSE
LORD ASHBURTON
Named after Lord Ashburton (William
Baring), the township of Ashburton
quickly became the focus of the
surrounding rural communities. Once
known as the “trans-Rakaia Desert” for its
seemingly never-ending plains of tussock
and grass landscape, the wealth of the
local agriculture sector soon dispelled
that notion and this was recognised by
the development of banking in the town,
none more evident than the Bank of New
South Wales building that you are now
dining in. Built of brick and Oamaru
stone the solid and permanent prospects
of the area are undeniable.
So strongly held was this ideal that
the bank’s strongroom was constructed
of double cavity brick with an inner
concrete lining reinforced with lengths of
Ashburton railway iron.
ENGINEER OR MINISTER?
Ashburton’s first resident William Turton
and Charles Oram, the former owner
of this block of land, had one thing in
common – both were hoteliers of the
old school – warm hearted, genial and
generous. And although the name of the
street may be disputed between a railway
engineer and a religious minister the use of
this land is not. With the Somerset Hotel
at one end, the Ashburton Club next door
and now a Speight’s Ale House on this
corner it is surely the entertainment oasis
of the trans-Rakaia desert.
Corner of Cass and Burnett Streets, 1900 (Ashburton
Public Library Collection)
Construction of the Bank of New South Wales Building
1898. Note the large beer casks used as anchors for the
scaffolding (Ashburton Museum Collection)
FESTIVE ASHBURTON
In this festive tradition it is worth
remembering that Ashburton led the
country in 1958 by introducing a six
ounce beer for just sixpence and later took
the initiative with the introduction of the
convivial and jovial tavern concept.
REDEVELOPMENT
When the district went dry in 1902 up
to ten hotels were closed, but in 1949
when the district reversed the decision the
newly elected Ashburton Licensing Trust
acquired the Somerset Hotel and
the Grand Central Hotel
(later renamed the Devon
Hotel). With the closure
of the Westpac bank, as it
was now called, instead of
yet another empty section
in the middle of town, the
Trust moved successfully to
have the site redeveloped.
SPEIGHT’S BREWERY
Like the interesting characters of
early New Zealand, Speight’s has a long
and colourful history. In 1876 James
Speight, Charles Greenslade and William
Dawson set up Speight’s Brewery in
Dunedin. Still on the same site today in
Rattray Street Dunedin, Speight’s is the
Pride of the South.
THE FOUNDERS
In 1876, in the bustling southern city of
Dunedin, James Speight’s brewing dream
became a reality. With a couple of mates,
Charles Greenslade and William Dawson,
he purchased an evacuated bottling and
malt plant, where all three had worked,
and set up his own brewery.
The three men made a great team and
they wasted no time in getting down
to business – in fact, they put through
their first brew on April 4th, a month
before they received the lease on May 1st
and two months before they had even
obtained a license on June 6th!
By 1887, the combination of clever
business sense and great beer had seen
Speight’s grow to become the largest
brewery in New Zealand. But sadly,
with his dream at last a reality, James
Speight died in August of that year.
international award at the Sydney
Inter­national Exhib­ition. Sales
soared and the future of
Speight’s was secured.
Speight’s Ale continued
to go from strength to
strength, winning major
international
awards
including several gold
medals, hence the naming
of “Speight’s Gold Medal
Ale” in 1893.
SPEIGHT’S CRAFT RANGE
Speight’s Brewery Dunedin has brewed
award-winning ales since 1876.
The four brews in the Speight’s Craft
Range – Distinction Ale, Pale Ale, Porter
and Pilsener – were originated from
recipes of a bygone era in a quest to
recreate flavours as true as possible to the
original styles.
Three of the Craft Range brews, Pale
Ale, Porter and Pilsener, are fermented
in kauri gyles – open-topped wooden
fermentation vats which are lined with
beeswax. Small volume and labour
intensive, these open, shallow vessels help
to bring out the seamless character and
full aromas of the brews. Only one other
brewery in the world is still known to use
kauri gyles.
GOLD MEDAL ALE
In 1879 a cask of Speight’s Strong
Ale won the fledgling brewery its first
With acknowledgements to Donald Gordon’s Speight’s The Story of Dunedin’s Historic Brewery.
BR E WE R ’S N O T E S
Spei ght’s Brew ery has a lwa ys p r o d u c e d a wa r d win n in g ,
tradi ti onal al es and b e e r s, u sin g o n ly th e fin e st q u a lity
Southern i ngredi ents a n d p u r e st wa te r. We ta k e g r e a t
c are and pri de i n brewin g o u r b e e r s a n d a r e p r o u d to p r e se n t
th e m h e r e to yo u .
W hy not taste the wh o le fa mily o f S p e ig h t’s b e e r s!
Purchase an Al e Ho u se Ta stin g Tr a y, wh ic h will h a ve
a sam pl e of e a c h b e e r fo r yo u to tr y.
SPEIGHT’S GOLD MEDAL ALE
Beer Style
First Brewed
Alcohol Level
Colour
Bitterness
Energy (kilojoules/100ml)
Calories (/100ml)
Draught Amber Ale
1876
4.0
21
14
135
32
Flavour characteristics: Speight’s is an ale with a hint of “grassy” undertones
that add to its complexity. It has the full flavour of Speight’s malt and hops.
SPEIGHT’S OLD DARK
Beer Style
First Brewed
Alcohol Level
Colour
English Porter
1991
4.0
90
Bitterness
Energy (kilojoules/100ml)
Calories (/100ml)
23.5
150
36
Flavour characteristics: This dark ale has roasted malt character with a hint of
chocolate. The flavour has been balanced with extra hops and rounded out with
just enough sweetness.
SPEIGHT’S DISTINCTION ALE
Beer Style
First Brewed
Alcohol Level
Colour
Traditional Dark Ale
1994
5.0
40
Bitterness
Energy (kj/100ml)
Calories (/100ml)
17
172
41
Flavour characteristics: Speight’s Distinction Ale is a full-flavoured malt ale with
a reddy-brown hue. Five malts have been blended to create this premium ale’s
full maltiness. The predominant impression is of caramel flavours with a light
hoppy estery note, providing a clean, extended finish.
SPEIGHT'S TRAVERSE
Beer Style
Lager
First Brewed
Alcohol Level
November 2009
4.2
Energy (kilojoules/100ml)
115
Carbs (g/100ml)
0.9
Flavour characteristics: A golden lager with a refreshing full flavour and
less than half the carbs of regular beers. The slow brewing technique our
brewers have perfected keeps the carbs down, while maintaining the full
taste we expect from a Speight's beer - the best of both worlds
SPEIGHT’S PORTER
4.2% ALC/VOL
Beer Style
Porter
Bitterness
27
First Brewed
Alcohol Level
2002
5.0
Energy (kj/100ml)
Calories (/100ml)
181
43
Colour
155
Flavour characteristics: Speight’s Porter is a red-black beer with a rich,
robust palate and complex full aromas. A blend of crystal, caramalt, roasted
wheat and chocolate malt combine to give a complex, smokey, mocha aroma
and a rich coffee flavour which finishes on a subtle chocolate note.
SPEIGHT’S PILSENER
Beer Style
First Brewed
Pilsener
2002
Bitterness
Energy (kj/100ml)
31
190
Alcohol Level
Colour
5
12
Calories (/100ml)
45
Flavour characteristics:­With such a classic Czech lager style, the challenge
is to achieve flavour balance between characterful malts and the strong
hop content. Nelson Sauvin and New Zealand Saaz hops are added at
boil’s end for a fresher fruitier aroma. The biscuity residual sweetness of
Munich Malt provides the balance, leaving a clean finish.
SPEIGHT'S SUMMIT LAGER
Beer Style
First Brewed
Alcohol Level
Energy (kilojoules/100ml)
Calories (/100ml)
ONLY NATURAL INGREDIENTS
Lager
June 2008
4.0
135
31
Flavour characteristics: Brewed with only natural ingredients, Speight's
Summit Lager is a smooth flavoured lager free of artificial additives
and preservatives. With the addition of the Pacific Hallertau hop variety
added late in the brew. Speight's Summit Lager delivers a smooth, crisp and
refreshing taste with less of the maltiness associated with Speight's Gold
Medal Ale.
There’s no better start to the day – here’s some tempting dishes
to set you up for all the day has to offer!
We e k e n d B r u n c h
From 11am-4pm Saturday and Sunday
(GF) These meals can be served gluten free on request
B a c o n a n d E g g s ( G F ) $14.50
Smoked bacon, eggs how you want them and Alehouse toast.
F re n c h To a s t ( G F ) $16.50
Lightly fried Alehouse loaf with bacon, mixed berries and maple syrup.
E g g s B e n e d i c t ( G F ) $16.50
Two poached eggs, your choice of smoked salmon or bacon, with spinach
on English muffins and topped with hollandaise sauce.
O m e l e t t e ( G F ) $18.50
Straight from the hen house. Made with 3 eggs and filled with cheese,
spinach and cherry tomatoes, served with bacon and Alehouse toast.
S o u t h e r n M a n ’s B i g B r e akfast
$21.00
Eggs how you want them, smoked bacon, Netherby Meats sausage, mushrooms,
grilled tomato, hash browns and Alehouse toast
V e g e t a r i a n ’s B i g B r e a k f ast (GF)
$18.50
Eggs how you want them, spinach, mushrooms, grilled tomato, hash browns
and hollandaise sauce.
Extras
(Just because you can....)
Eggs x2 (Local Free Range)
Hash Browns Crumbed Onion RIngs
Grilled Tomato Mushrooms
$3.50 $2.00
$3.50 $3.50
$3.50
Salad, Slaw or Veges Ale House Mash
Fries
Smokey Bacon
Netherby Sausage $4.00
$5.00
$5.00
$4.50
$4.50
The kitchen have rustled up a great selection of Southern favourites with generous portions to suit a real hunger. As master brewer, I have prepared a few tasting notes and selected the perfect partner for these great dishes.
Lunch
11.30am – 3pm
(GF) These meals can be served gluten free on request
J a c k e t P o t a t o $16.50
Your choice of:
Mediterranean vegetables topped with melted cheddar.
or
Portobello mushroom and bacon topped with a creamy mushroom sauce.
or
Chilli beef and beans topped with sour cream.
H o t Po r k S a n d w i c h $16.50
Strips of pork belly with salad greens and cider apple sauce served with fries.
C ru m b e d B e e f S c h n i t z e l $16.50
With fries, salad and mushroom sauce.
To S h a r e
B re w e r ’s L o a f ( G F ) Half $7.00
Whole $12.00
Served warm with choice of garlic butter, plain butter or balsamic vinegar
and extra virgin olive oil.
Ma lt h o u s e P l a t t e r ( G F ) Half $25.00
Whole $40.00
Selection of cold meats, cheeses, pickles, fruit and dips served with breads
and crackers.
A le h o u s e H o t P l a t t e r Half $25.00
Whole $40.00
Chicken nuggets, corn bites, fish bites, crumbed onion rings, mini hot dogs,
fries and dipping sauces.
B ig F r i e s ( G F ) $8.00
They’re big!! With tomato sauce and aioli.
Winslow Wedges
$13.50
Chunky wedges with cheese, bacon, sour cream and sweet chilli.
Cowboy Nachos Small $13.00
Large $19.00
With ground beef and chilli beans, in a spicy tomato sauce topped with melted
cheese and a side of sour cream
The kitchen have rustled up a great selection of Southern favourites with
generous portions to suit a real hunger. As master brewer, I have prepared a few
tasting notes and selected the perfect partner for these great dishes.
All D a y Me n u
11.30am – Late
(GF) These meals can be served gluten free on request
To S t a r t
S o u p o f t h e M o m e n t $10.00
Chef’s freshly prepared soup, served with warmed Ale House bread.
Mo e r a k i S e a f o o d C h o w d e r Small $12.00
Large $16.50
A true local favourite. Seafood bound in a creamy fish stock delicately flavoured
with fresh herbs and served with warmed bread.
Enjoy this delicious soup with a Speight’s Traverse.
Mu s h r o o m s O n To a s t $18.00
Crumbed mushrooms on toast with bacon smothered with a creamy
mushroom sauce.
Try a cold Speight’s Summit with this.
S a lt & P e p p e r C a l a m a r i $18.00
Lightly coated and flash-fried, tender Calamari served with salad garnish,
lemon wedges, aioli and sweet chilli dipping sauces.
Speight’s Gold Medal Ale is great with calamari.
C ru m b e d C a m e m b e r t $14.00
T h e A l l e n t o n B u r g e r $19.50
With salad, redcurrant coulis and bread.
To F o llo w
Chicken breast, bacon and brie with guacamole served with lettuce, tomato
and fries.
T h e H a m p s t e a d B u r g e r $19.50
200gm beef pattie, bacon, melted cheddar, red onion marmalade served
with lettuce, tomato and fries.
The full flavour of Speight’s Distinction goes great with a gourmet burger.
S p e ig h t ’s P o t P i e Chef’s pie of the day served with salad and fries.
A pint of Speight’s Distinction Ale and a hot pie - couldn’t be better!
$20.00
G ra n d m a ’s L a m b s F r y $20.00
Grilled lambs liver and bacon on mash with cherry tomatoes, caramelised onions
and a rich Speight’s Ale gravy.
The malty taste of Speight’s Old Dark is perfect with Grandma’s favourite.
N e t h e r b y B a n g e r s a n d M ash
$20.00
Ashburton’s famous Netherby Meats award winning Pork sausage on Alehouse
mash topped with peas, caramelised onions and Speight’s Porter Gravy.
Ma n zo n i ’s P a s t a $23.50
Two delicious pastas to choose from:
Chicken, bacon and mushroom carbonara.
or
Sundried tomatoes, olives, capsicum, courgette and aubergine in a basil pesto
sauce topped with feta cheese.
You choose the Speight’s for this one!
C h ic k e n P a r c e l s One $22.00 Two $28.50
Our famous filo parcels filled with chicken, bacon, peach and soft cheese baked
till golden, topped with citrus peach chutney, kumara wafers, served with
gourmet potatoes and salad.
A crisp Speight’s Pilsener suits this well.
Vegetarian Parcel
One $20.00 Two $26.00
Portobello mushrooms, spinach, brie and redcurrant coulis in a crisp filo parcel
served with gourmet potatoes and salad.
This needs only a Speight’s Gold Medal Ale for perfection.
B lu e ’ n ’ G o l d Small $19.50
Big $25.00
Fish of the day lightly golden fried in Speight’s beer batter, finished with fresh
garden salad and fries. It’s a goodie!
Classic Kiwi cuisine – pair it with a cold Speight’s Pilsener.
The Pig
Big $20.00 Bigger $28.50
Pork ribs slow braised in Speight’s Cider and wild rosemary and oven finished
in our smokey BBQ sauce served with fries.
This is great with cool Speight’s Gold Medal Ale.
S h e a r e r ’s S h a n k s Shank $21.50 Shanks $29.00
Tender and delicious lamb shanks slow braised in Speight’s Old Dark on Alehouse
mash with broccoli, red cabbage and rich gravy.
Delicious with a glass of rich, robust Speight’s Porter.
T h e H i g h l a n d e r ’s P o r k B elly
$29.00
Slow roasted pork belly with a creamy cider and mushroom reduction served on
Alehouse mash with seasonal vegetables and apple sauce.
Delicious with a glass of rich, robust Speight’s Porter.
B la c k C h e r r y C h i c k e n $29.50
Tender, juicy chicken breast wrapped in bacon, filled with cream cheese and cashew
nuts, and oven roasted to perfection served on kumara mash with black cherry
sauce and a garden salad (allow 25 minutes cooking time).
Distinction’s caramel tones complement this dish well.
Mu s t e r e r ’s B i g M i x e d G r ill
$30.00
Eggs how you want them, 150gm 5 star rump steak, smokey bacon, Netherby pork
sausage, crumbed onion rings, mushrooms, grilled tomato, hash browns and your
choice of sauce.
Spoil yourself - have a Gold Medal Ale.
P a c ifi c a l l y S p e a k i n g POA
Your wait-staff will advise you what we have caught and how we have prepared it
but trust me….it will be delicious.
And don't forget your perfect Speight's beer to partner it!
C h e f ’s D e l i g h t POA
Our chef’s creation of the day .
And ask for a Speight’s recommendation while you’re at it.
Ma ry J a n e S p e i g h t ’s S a l a d
Just as she would have liked them...
Your choice of:
Char grilled chicken with salad greens, bacon, tomato, carrot and $24.00
Thai Beef strips with salad greens, crispy noodles, cashew nuts and a $24.00
sweet chilli and coriander dressing.
or
Smoked salmon and prawns with avocado, salad greens and seafood dressing.
$26.00
cashew nuts with our own dressing.
or
GF option: jug of olive oil and balsamic and no croutons
Accompany your salad with a refreshing golden Speight's Traverse.
C a e s a r S a l a d Cos lettuce, croutons, bacon, shaved parmesan, anchovies (optional),
poached egg and caesar dressing
or
With char-grilled chicken.
GF option: jug of olive oil and balsamic and no croutons
A nutty Gold Medal Ale is great with a fresh salad.
$18.50
$23.50
J a m e s S p e i g h t ’s S t e a k $34.00
300gm prime rib eye served with a green salad and your choice of Alehouse mash
or fries.
Your choice of sauce:
Hollandaise Mushroom Porter Gravy Peppercorn Garlic butter
Smokey BBQ
Extras
(Just because you can....)
Eggs x2 (Local Free Range)
Hash Browns Crumbed Onion RIngs
Grilled Tomato Mushrooms
$3.50 $2.00
$3.50 $3.50
$3.50
Salad, Slaw or Veges Ale House Mash
Fries
Smokey Bacon
Netherby Sausage $4.00
$5.00
$5.00
$4.50
$4.50
Speight’s Porter of course!
Takeaway meals available
Gift vouchers for sale
For t h e We e ’a n s
(The ones under 12!!)
(GF) These meals can be served gluten free on request
$12.00 ... and an ice block.
P e rc y ’s R i b s ( G F ) BBQ ribs with crispy fries or mashed potato.
Rooster Burger
Burger filled with a chicken tender, lettuce, tomato, cheese and fries.
F is h y F e a s t ( G F )
Grilled or battered fish with chips and salad.
Min i H o t D o g s
3 mini hot dogs with chips and sauce.
C h ic k e n N u g g e t s
With chips and salad.
K id s M i n i P l a t t e r ( G F )
Ham, cheese, fruit, bread and other healthy goodies.
Pasta
Ham and cheese.
To F I N ISH
K id s I c e C r e a m S u n d a e Vanilla ice cream and your choice of raspberry chocolate
passion fruit topping finished with whipped cream.
caramel or
$6.00
If you now have a hankering for something sweet, here’s the best on offer.
To F in is h
C h o c o l a t e M u d C a k e $11.00
Served warm on a rich decadent chocolate sauce with berries, vanilla
ice cream and cream.
C ro m w e l l S u m m e r C r u m b le
$10.90
Classic apple crumble topped with an almond coconut crust with warmed custard
and ice cream.
S p e ig h t ’s O l d D a r k I c e Cr eam
$11.00
Served with a coffee caramel.
F a rm h o u s e C h e e s e c a k e O f The Day
$11.00
L e m o n D e l i g h t Tr i f l e $11.00
Lemon mascarpone and sponge fingers layered with lemon mousse and topped
with mixed berries.
I c e C r e a m S u n d a e ( S e r v ed In A Pint Glass) (GF)
$11.00
Vanilla ice cream and your choice of raspberry, chocolate, caramel or
passion fruit topping finished with lashings of whipped cream.
C h e e s e a n d F r u i t P l a t t e r
Please one account per table. If you enjoyed the Ale House
please tell your friends, but if you didn’t - tell me!
$17.50