The Kingslander
As we continued our crawl down through Kingsland we headed into the stalwart pub – The Kingslander – purpose built for enjoying sporting events and drinking up a storm. It is everything you would expect from a local pub – plenty of space for large groups coming in to watch their favourite teams or sports stars on the big tv screens, pool table, darts board and pokie machines ready for the punter to sink their coins into.
The menu options (you might want to wash your hands after touching these greasies!) looked quite extensive, however the flavours seemed very lacking. Pub food can have a reputation as being fairly basic, unfortunately for them this is exactly what we got. Pub grub is not really our thing, bummer! The redeeming option for us was the curly fries and sauce which were pretty darn good, and matched alongside a decent pint of beer, would go down easily while enjoying sport on the big screens.
This locally-loved pub doesn’t pitch itself as anything other than a well-located place to come and have a cold bevvy and basic meal, whilst supporting your favourite team. So don’t expect flashy and be prepared for a bit of noise on a game day, it will be heaving! This well known watering hole is perfect for the sports enthusiasts, which this team of designers just ain’t.
Louise had the chicken curry and drank a rhubarb cider. She said “Initially underwhelmed at lack of eye contact when we arrived, followed by having to help ourselves to the greasiest menus of all time (probably best viewed in the dark while inebriated). Ordering and payment seemed confused and complex as two staff juggled the convo, and then the food was super average after a long wait. I get why this might work as a sports bar but the whole thing ain’t my jam. At all.”
Mel had the Thai beef salad and drank a passionfruit and vodka mixed soda. She said “I went in with an open mind and thought the layout of the place was roomy and well set up for a pub/sports bar. The food was disappointing, not enough flavours unfortunately. I’m sure this place is perfect as a venue for the eager sporting fanatics, a great location for those Eden Park games! Just not quite my vibe.”
Sam had the fish burger and chips. He said “The food was super flavourless and the fish was from a frozen packet from the supermarket. It would be a good place to watch rugby and have a few drinks but I can’t say I’ll be back for a fish burger.”
Sarah had the fish and chips. She said “This spot was not my vibe haha. I can see the appeal for watching a game but it’s not for me. The menus were greasy and had beer spilled all over them. The food was mostly deep fried options, though this is just what you want on a big night. My fish and chips was edible and a generous portion. I think this place does what it is known for well and that’s what you should expect from it.”
