FOOD AT THE EMPIRE.
The best gastro pub around without being pretentious.Classics 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 newpaper and arrive with a shot of malt vinegar and peas which Paul says are a must for the classic English seaside taste.
The best seafood chowder is served here and Paul says the secret is the Home smoked salmon a recipe many chefs have copied but never equalled,only the kitchen team at the Empire know the secret.
There are several SIGNATURE dishes that Paul is well known for and these make various appearances depending on the season,However the menu reflects a distinctly Anglo/European feel with dishes like Crayfish and chips using classic lobster thermidor and Pauls well known 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 Stonegrill.Your main course is trimmed of all fat and presented on a super heated volcanic rock at 400 degrees c for you to sear exactly as you like it.A taste sensation as well as being healthy and nutritious .
The kitchen at the Empire now has a new head chef Richard Taylor who also hails from England and with Paul they are continually developing the food with an underlying English and European feel.
Richard comes to us from Wellingtons Parliament were he has been looking after our prime minister and politicians.He brings with him a wealth of experience garnered from working in top hotel chains across England and we are very pleased to have him on board.
DRINK @THE EMPIRE
As well as a superb wine list promoting the best of regional and local wines.The Empire also stocks a superb range of Malt whiskeys(including a Japanese malt).As Paul and wife Rachel met in Scotland and thats were the love of the grain began.For a thirst quencher who could go past the frozen slushy cocktails in flavours like strawberry daquiry,pina colada and lime marguerita or even the long island iced tea 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 to stock Boddingtons draught actuallt brewed in Manchester England and shipped over,and for the energy drinkers we even have Mother on tap.
ENTERTAINMENT @ THE EMPIRE
The Empire is THE live music venue in the Hutt.Friday nights from 9pm you can enjoy the finest bands thye 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 a Thursday from7pm with our award winning band Peter shaw and Neha Gate.
