The Backbencher Gastropub

14/09/2026

Tuesday’s looking pretty good from where we’re sitting. Enjoy a 250g rump, cooked just the way you like it, with steak cut chips and slaw for only $25. Add your favourite sauce, grab a cold one and make a night of it.

Every Tuesday, 5–8pm. Walk-ins welcome.

14/09/2026

Election Night at The Backbencher!
Join us from 4pm on Saturday 7 November and watch the results roll in live across all our screens.

Celebrate, commiserate, debate or simply enjoy the spectacle — we’ve got the food, drinks, big screens and atmosphere sorted. Bring your friends. Wear your colours — or don’t. Choose your side.

Book your table now - www.backbencher.co.nz.

11/09/2026

UP THE WAHS! Watch the Warriors take on the Dolphins LIVE on our 7 large screens!
Saturday 12 September | Kick-off 6.00pm
It’s going to be a big one. Grab your mates, grab a beer and get behind the WAHS.

Walk-ins welcome. Book a table to secure your spot.

10/09/2026

Our Election Special Menu ’26 is here! A delicious line-up of named dishes, political pot-shots and plenty designed to make you laugh, groan or wonder who approved it.
Think of it as election season on a plate — part dinner, part political commentary and entirely unserious.

Come down, grab a drink and find out who made the cut.

Spot a familiar name on the menu? Tag them. We’re sure they’ll have something to say about it. 👀

The Backbencher — where politics has always been better with a drink.

10/09/2026

Fresh, full of flavour and anything but boring. Our salad selection is made for when you’re after something a little lighter, without missing out on flavour. Perfect for lunch, dinner or somewhere in between. Come in and find your new favourite.

09/09/2026

Part of our special Election Menu… can you guess which politician inspired this one? Morally fishing for votes… 🎣
CRISPY FISH BURGER - Beer-battered market fish, hollandaise, mint slaw and pickled red onion on a brioche bun, served with French fries.

Any guesses? Drop their name below 👇

07/09/2026

Tuesdays are for STEAK! 250g rump steak, chip shop chips and slaw for just $25.

Add your favourite sauce, grab a cold one and you’ve got Tuesday night sorted.

Every Tuesday | 5–8pm | Walk-ins welcome| See you at The Backbencher, 34 Molesworth Street.

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07/09/2026

Cheers to Monday. Cheers to Quiz Night!
Round up your smartest mates and join us every Monday from 6.30pm for plenty of laughs, prizes and a little friendly competition.

Free entry. Everyone welcome. See you at The Backbencher!

03/09/2026

Planning a function? We’ve got just the spot.

From work functions and birthdays to conferences and private events, The Backbencher has a space to suit. Great pub food, cold drinks and private conference rooms upstairs with AV sorted.

Got a function coming up? Have a chat with our friendly team today at [email protected]

02/09/2026

Make Monday night quiz night. Round up your mates and put your general knowledge to the test at The Backbencher. Quiz Night kicks off every Monday from 6.30pm. Tuck into our famously good gastropub fare, grab a cold one and get ready for plenty of friendly competition.

Tag your smartest mates and we’ll see you Monday.

Free entry | Everyone welcome | The Backbencher - 34 Molesworth Street, Thorndon.