The Red Lion

Locals recommend The Red Lion, which is always a good sign. The pub has been a popular watering hole since 1935, with its daytime café and a public bar. The upstairs restaurant, from which you can watch the steamboats on the river, offers dishes such as fresh gurnard ceviche to start and venison fillet for mains. For dessert there’s a chocolate chilli and lime mousse. “Not your basic roast beef and chicken pub fare,” they say. 45 Anzac Parade, Durie Hill. (06) 348 4080, redlioninn.co.nz

Clockwise from left: Tessa Hunt, Ryan Brown, Dinky Belton, Nirvan Gurung.