New gastro-pub anchors in Britomart

One of Auckland’s most well-known bars has been reinvented with a new name and a $2 million makeover in time for the Rugby World Cup.

The old Northern Steamship Co, located in the heart of Britomart in the historically significant building of the same name, has undergone a major renovation and has opened as social hall The Brit.

Owned by the Nourish Group, the concept is the brainchild of director and founder Richard Sigley whose hospitality group runs a further six successful venues in the surrounding Auckland waterfront precinct alone.

Named after the area’s namesake, The Brit will deliver a gastro-pub inspired by this ‘social hall’ notion to the precinct, complete with six big screens and a projector for live sports, pool tables and an extensive food and beverage menu within its rebooted 440 square metre interior.

Sigley’s vision has been brought to life by design studio CTRL Space and building company Well Constructed Limited, with a central bar and many nooks, crannies and wide spaces for different groups in mind.

Over the last 20 years, Nourish Group has evolved as a leader in the New Zealand hospitality industry and now owns and operates 13 venues throughout the country including Soul, the Jervois Steak Houses and Euro.

With extensive experience in hospitality and creating beautiful spaces, the team have all played a role in shaping some of Auckland’s most popular eateries and are hoping to do the same with The Brit.

“Downtown Auckland is thriving but we felt it lacked a pub venue where people can come together, in small or large groups, to enjoy great drinks and food in a relaxed and modern space.  We really wanted to own that with The Brit,” says Sigley.

The Brit menu has been created by Nourish Group Executive Chef Gareth Stewart – a highly acclaimed chef renowned for his ‘no nonsense’ approach to food, with a focus on flavours and simplicity. 

Nourish Group worked closely and collaboratively with the Britomart Group and Auckland City Council to plan for The Brit, ensuring alignment of the site’s vision between all parties. 

“The result is a great pub that we hope Aucklanders and visitors to the city will come to know and love,” says Sigley. 

The Brit is located at 122 Quay St, Britomart, Auckland