Horseshoe Taproom returns
"If only the walls could talk..." is the most common response when you mention the Horseshoe. The 74-year-old pub has seen many things over the decades – from the Six o’Clock Swill to family celebrations, and more recently as the meeting place for the Masterton Horseshoe Club. In its glory days, it was Masterton’s buzzy social hub. One of our team recalls crowds so packed on Christmas Eve that she had to be held aloft to spot her mates.
The Horseshoe's story goes back to 1951, when the Masterton Licensing Trust built it as the town's first proper bar after 40 years of prohibition. Originally called the Masterton Bar & Lounge, that elegant, curved shape quickly earned it the Horseshoe nickname.
Named for the curve – the Horseshoe Taproom emerges from a makeover.
Trust House CE John Prendergast says they've been watching craft beer grow more popular over the past decade and wanted to offer Wairarapa somewhere special that showed off the variety of local beer. On site are 12 taps, a mini brewery and a snug with comfy couches.
It’s far from being all about the beer, though. The drinks list includes local wines, gin, cocktails; the food menu draws on local produce wherever possible. Just as a sample, of the variety, there’s Korean Fried Chicken and Patatas Bravas as well as New York-style pizzas.
The renovated venue brings back the charm of the original with booth seating and retro touches. A well-developed garden area with tables will beckon on sunny days. Plus, we think this is a nice touch – well-behaved dogs are welcome inside accompanied by adult owners.
The venue got a confidence boost recently when its specially made Wairarapa IPA, created by Fortune Favours Brewery, won top honours at Wellington's Beervana beer festival.
As a place that's been at the heart of Masterton's social scene, the Horseshoe Taproom represents an exciting new chapter—bringing back the community spirit that made it special in the first place.
Horseshoe Taproom, 4 Queen St Masterton. For more, see here
Cosy leather couches add to the retro vibe.
