Why We Are the Way We Are (and Proud of It)

Every now and then, someone asks, “What makes Otematata’s Best Dam Pub… well, the best?” And while we could just say it’s the cold beers, wild yarns, and epic feeds — the truth runs a bit deeper (though the beer is bloody cold).

We’ve put together this one-pager to give you a proper peek behind the bar — into what drives us, what we stand for, and why we do what we do with a grin on our faces and a bit of cheek in our tone.

Whether you’re a first-timer, a regular, or one of the many who claim they “accidentally ended up here and never left,” this is your official welcome into the heart and soul of the Best Dam Pub.

Have a read. Have a laugh. Then come in for a pint — because we’re better in person.

Welcome to Otematata’s Best Dam Pub — Where Tradition Has a Shot With Progress

We’re not fancy. We’re not trendy. And we sure as hell aren’t trying to be “the next big thing.” We’re the Best Dam Pub — serving up solid yarns, bloody good food, and cold beers since your granddad first snuck in for a pint 60+ years ago.

We believe in tradition before trend, but that doesn’t mean we’re stuck in the past. We’re constantly poking the bear of the status quo — improving food, finding better beers, sharpening service, and making sure our people get more than just a payslip. Around here, we grow legends, not just staff.

We’re a drinker’s pub (not a drunk one) — a place for good sorts, better banter, and great kai. We serve proper meals with proper flavour using local, sustainable ingredients, made by humans who care. And when we say great service, we mean the kind that makes you feel like a bloody VIP, not a transaction.

We don’t just love our community — we are our community. Locals, bach owners, tourists, sports clubs, solo wanderers, and big family feeds — everyone’s part of the fabric here. This pub is the place you bring your out-of-town mates when you want to show off how good Otematata life really is.

Our team is our heartbeat. We treat our crew like family (the ones you like), and we expect them to bring their whole selves — quirks and all. In return, we give them opportunity, fair pay, flexibility, and a shot at greatness.

We’ve built this thing to last. Through lean kitchens, smart finances, and big hearts, we’ve created something rare — a local you can trust, laugh in, work hard at, and be damn proud of.

So whether you’re just popping in for a pint, smashing a stonegrill, or staying the night, know this: we’re here to serve, to smile, and to make sure you leave thinking, “Well bugger me, that was a bloody good time.”

Otematata’s Best Dam Pub. Tradition served with passion and a hint of cheek.