THE HOME OF HOSPITALITY IN THE HUTT
The Empire is a multi award winning gastro pub right here in the middle of
Jackson st. Voted BEST SMALL BUSINESS 2010 as well as receiving the Hutts
coveted BEST HOST RESPONSIBILITY award.
In January they were awarded the New Zealand BEEF AND LAMB AWARD
OF EXCELLENCE for the quality of their beef and lamb dishes.
Owned and operated by husband and wife team Paul and Rachel Rowan, with
cuisine designed by master chef paul and front of house and admin overseen by
Rachel they are a formidable team and that is why they are THE HOME OF
HOSPITALITY.
FOOD AT THE EMPIRE.
The best gastro pub around, without being
pretentious. Classic dishes are given The Rowan treatment such as his fish
and chips which are hand battered in a Boddingtons beer batter and presented
wrapped in newspaper and arrive with a shot of malt vinegar, and peas which
Paul says is a must for the classic English seaside taste.
The best seafood chowder is served here and Paul says the secret is home
smoked salmon a recipe many chefs over the past few years have copied but
never equalled, only the kitchen team at the Empire know the real secret.
There are several signature dishes that Paul is well known for and these vary
dependant on the season, however the menu reflects a distinctly Anglo/European
feel with dishes like Cray fish and chips using classic lobster Thermidor and
Pauls well known T.V recipe Sticky Toffee Pudding .
Centre stage is given over to STONEGRILL as The Empire is the only venue
in Lower Hutt/Petone were you can dine on stone grill -Your main course is
trimmed of all fat and presented on a super heated volcanic stone(400oc) for
you to sear exactly as you like it. A taste sensation as well as being healthy and
nutritious.
DRINK AT THE EMPIRE.
As well as a superb wine list promoting the best
of regional and local wines, The Empire also stocks an excellent range of Malt
whiskeys as Paul and wife Rachel met in Scotland and that’s were the love of
the grain began. For a thirst quencher, who could go past the frozen slushy
cocktails, in flavours like strawberry daiquiri, pina colada and lime margarita, or
even the long island iced tea which is served in antique tea pots and china cups
and saucers. The Empire also stocks a great range of beers and are the only bar
in the Wellington region were you can get a pint of good old English Boddingtons
beer, actually brewed in England and shipped over, and for the energy drinkers
amongst us they even have Mother on tap!
ENTERTAINMENT AT THE EMPIRE.
The Empire is THE live music venue
in the Hutt. Friday nights from 9pm you can enjoy the finest bands the region
has to offer, playing covers from the 60s to the 90s aimed at a slightly more
discerning crowd. There is also acoustic blues on every Thursday from 7pm and
jazzy or bluesy Sunday brunches from 12 -3pm Often playing in the beer garden.(Summer only)
FUNCTIONS AT THE EMPIRE.
The Empire has a well appointed function
room with a 50inch LCD screen and independent sound system to suit all your
needs, be it power point presentations for conferences/boardroom or to play
videos, photos or music for birthday and family celebrations, finger buffets,
formal dinners or any events can be tailored to your needs by the team , just give
them a call.
PARKING AT THE EMPIRE.
A huge car park is at the rear of the building
with entry straight into the function room including disabled access.
BEER GARDENS.
One of The Empires many assets are its well appointed out
door areas one which has comfortable booth seating and hand crafted furniture
and the latest addition is their new NO SMOKING beer garden great for the
health concious and families with kids and they only place to be seen at when the
sun shines.
