Bottle shop bargains in Belfast
The bottle store business is a competitive one, so when hospitality investor Sanjeev Nauhria decided to branch out from his Dunedin base into Christchurch, he knew he had to do it well.
With his sights set on the historic Belfast Tavern, he moved to bring the city its first Black Bull Liquor outlet, introducing a hugely popular North Island chain to Christchurch.
The pillars of the operation would be location, selection and every day low prices.
Four months after opening, the success of this strategy appears as clear as the bright red signage adorning the building on Main North Rd.
As the last stop for drivers heading north out of Christchurch, the Belfast Tavern and its new liquor store is ideally positioned for the fast-growing population just outside town whose thousands of commuters pass by every day.
Stopping off is easy due to plentiful off-street parking and inside the store there is something for any occasion, with shelves being a glittering mix of craft beers, ciders, wines, liquors, liqueurs and RTDs.
The secret weapon, though, is pricing.
‘‘We can match any competitor for any of the products. We will match any special.
‘‘We’ve got a big range, excellent service and the best prices,’’ Nauhria says.
Black Bull Liquor is a major brand across the North Island but until now has been a stranger to Cantabrians. Part of the Thirsty Liquor group, it has the buying power of a combined 150 stores and growing – the Belfast Tavern site being one of its most recent additions.
Under Nauhria’s watch, the other half of the story at the Belfast Tavern has been the attention given to The Peg, the tavern’s long-running bar which in recent months has received handful of upgrades.
Long known for its goodnatured crowd and cosy atmosphere, the pub is nowadays increasingly being seen as a place to go for lunch or dinner.
An expanding menu has most recently been bolstered with the addition of fresh blue cod in the fish and chips – already a standout for its amazing golden crunchiness.
Other fare continues the tradition of well-made pub cuisine with burgers, chicken schnitzel, ham steak, nachos, chicken salad and steak and chips.
Most meals are just $12.50 and are available 12pm-2pm Tuesday to Thursday and 12pm-8pm Fridays and Saturdays.
Friday evenings also see a free buffet put on to reward those regulars who call The Peg their local and give it so much of its character.
There is a ‘‘happy hour’’ from 5pm to 7pm Wednesday through Sunday, a large gaming area with 18 pokie machines, full TAB facilities, a big screen to watch all the action, and pool tables with free play every Tuesday evening. Meat raffles are held every Thursday and Friday.
To top it off, a courtesy coach services the surrounding area to get guests home after a fun night out.
Groups are welcome and bookings for functions are free.
The Peg and its adjoining Black Bull Liquor store are open every day from 10.30am to 10pm at 899 Main North Rd, Belfast. For more information, phone 03 323 8851.