The Backbencher Gastropub

World famous in Wellington. The backbencher is on lower molesworth street opposite parliament and a few minutes walk from the bus and train stations. Attentive staff, good food at normal pricing. A variety of tap beers available. Gets very busy after work, so best to reserve a table for after knockoff drinks with colleagues.

Calamari was a generous helping, well cooked, sorry no photos.

A cool spot to explore and have a cuppa in the capital especially if you are around the beehive, just walk cross the street. Fun to look at the puppets representing the Government figures updated from time to time. The food is generous portion.

@thebackbenchergastropub has a long history of political connection behind its contemporary satirical puppets. It started life as The Wellington Hotel in 1869 its close proximity to Parliament made for a popular parliamentarian watering hole earning it the nickname 'The Unofficial Bellamy 's '. In 1991 the pub was revamped renamed 'The Backbencher ', decorated with cartoons from two of our most famous political satarists, Tom Scott Trace Hodgson. In 2008 it became home to 'Back Benches ', a political interview show. But perhaps most (in)famously of all, over the years its walls have been adorned with irreverent, satirical political sporting puppets from 'Joan of Arc ' Helen Clark, to 'Batman Robin ' John Key Bill English each drawn by Murray Webb formed by the very talented Bryce Curtis of WETA Workshop. Nothing particularly special to be found in the food or brews, but come for the puppets or pre stadium event.

Great place to get together for drinks and nibbles for a catch up with friends. Very cool and friendly atmosphere, Sarah and the team do an amazing job looking after customers. We’ll be back!