About Us

About Speight’s Wanaka

The Speight’s Brewery 

Founded by James Speight, Charles Greenslade and William Dawson, Speight’s beer is the Pride of the South. Using only the finest quality Southern ingredients and purest water, award-winning traditional ales and beers have been produced at the Speight’s Brewery in Dunedin since 1876. 

There are now 18 privately owned Speight’s Ale Houses across New Zealand, all offering the full range of Speight’s beer and upholding the motto of our founder, ‘Generous to a fault’.

The friendliest pub in town

Here at Speight’s Wānaka, ‘Generous to a fault’ means an awesome menu with plenty of options for everyone; satisfying portions of good, unpretentious food; and the very best in warm hospitality. 

We pride ourselves on being family-owned, family-friendly and popular with locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re seeking a happy hour drink after work or an easy meal after a long day of exploring beautiful Wānaka, our friendly team will treat you well. 

Meet the Speight’s Ale House Team!

Roger & Archie

Owners 

Originally sheep farmers from South Otago, brothers Roger and Archie Gordon opened the Speight’s Ale House Wānaka in December 2012. Roger can occasionally be found pouring beers behind the bar, and generally doing what his managers tell him! Archie spends his time on the other side of the bar, drinking a Speight’s Gold Medal Ale or a local Chardonnay with his wife, Robyn.

Charline

General Manager

Charline, originally from France, has been living in Wanaka since 2017. She is running the show and making sure every experience at Speight’s Wānaka is a great one.  Her favourite Speight’s meal are the Lamb shanks. Her favourite beer is Old Dark, but really she prefers red wine!

Amar

Head Chef

Amar has been in the Speight’s kitchen for years. After a short phase away, he returned as our Head Chef in 2022, and we are happy to have him. He recommends the Speight’s Empire IPA as the ideal company to many of our meals.

Michael

Assistant General Manager

Michael started with us in 2022, he always has a smile on his face and has been an amazing addition to the team. His favourite meal is the Veggie Burger, which he prefers to enjoy together with a Speight’s Apple Cider.