HERNE BAY – The Gables in Auckland's Herne Bay was a much loved watering hole for Aucklanders for years, with a very loyal following. Brent Matchett, who replaced the original Gables this year with The Gables Speight's Ale House, was determined to create an outstanding new venue for this upmarket suburb, that would attract the same loyalty from the punters.

Brent and the team have done a stunning job – including specifying our top-quality A-lign solid timber weatherboards. It’s an authentic touch in a suburb known for having one of the world’s finest collections of historic timber weatherboard villas.

“The weatherboard look is part of the Speight’s Ale House concept,” Brent says. He’d seen A-lign in place at Arran Pene’s Ale House in Hamilton, so knew that he would end up with a smart finish for The Gables. The system performed to Brent’s expectations. “It was fantastic seeing the A-lign go up – it was just so quick.”

‘The Gables’ is rapidly building its reputation as a great local pub, with plenty going on to attract people in to enjoy this fine venue. If you’ve got children, for example, Monday is ‘kids dine free’ night, and if you are clever, there is a quiz night on Tuesday that will allow you to show off your brain power to your mates. Check out Brent’s website at www.gablesspeightsalehouse.co.nz for a full list of happenings – and the extensive menu of food and ales.

But before you settle in to have your steak and Speights, build up an appetite by crossing Jervois Road and going for a twenty minute stroll around some of the streets that run down to the Waitemata harbour. For anyone who loves the New Zealand timber tradition, you’ll see some of New Zealand’s most beautiful old homes. You need to win Lotto to be able to afford to buy one, but looking is free!