The Duke Bar & Restaurant

The Duke Bar & Restaurant A place for people to come together to experience local service, local produce, and food you know done well. Opening early September. Eatery & Bar
(280)

We are a restaurant and bar at Aston Norwood, surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland.

The signage has arrived. Next time you’re driving past Aston Norwood look out for a new signage, we can’t wait to remove...
13/08/2026

The signage has arrived. Next time you’re driving past Aston Norwood look out for a new signage, we can’t wait to remove the coming soon stickers and welcome you to our new home.

While Brac & Bow has closed its doors, The Royal Hotel accommodation remains open, continuing to welcome travellers look...
06/08/2026

While Brac & Bow has closed its doors, The Royal Hotel accommodation remains open, continuing to welcome travellers looking for a charming place to stay while exploring the beauty, character, and hidden gems of the Wairarapa until 1st January 2027

Our sister eatery, Mother Goose Country Restaurant & Pub, continues the tradition of warm country hospitality. Set amongst beautiful gardens with a relaxed rural atmosphere, Mother Goose offers the perfect place to enjoy great food, good company, and the simple pleasures of country dining.
www.theroyalhotel.co.nz/mothergoose

The Wairarapa is waiting to be explored from the world-renowned vineyards of Martinborough and the heritage streets of Greytown, to the rugged beauty of Cape Palliser, the Remutaka Rail Trail, Lake Wairarapa, and the many hidden corners that make this region so special.

Whether you’re staying for a weekend escape, discovering the wine country, enjoying a countryside adventure, or simply looking for a place to slow down and reconnect, The Royal Hotel remains your home away from home in the Wairarapa, where you can reset your compass.

The chapter may have changed, but the story continues.

www.theroyalhotel.co.nz

Exciting stuff happening at Aston Norwood…Don’t forget to get your tickets for the Blossom Valley.We can’t wait to welco...
05/08/2026

Exciting stuff happening at Aston Norwood…

Don’t forget to get your tickets for the Blossom Valley.

We can’t wait to welcome you ❤️

01/08/2026

We are hiring - Want to be part of this madness!?

if you've ever thought, "I'd look pretty good carrying three plates and a tray of Aperol Spritz," this might just be your moment.

We're looking for casual and part-time & full time legends to help us with:

Blossom Festival & other festivals, Weddings Private events and Restaurant & Bar service at Duke Bar & Restaurant

Who are we looking for?

Have a great attitude (we can teach the rest).
Have hospitality experience... or can convince us you'll be amazing anyway.
Can laugh under pressure.
Know how to work hard and have fun doing it.
Love being part of a team.
Aren't afraid of a busy shift (or the occasional coffee order with six modifications!?

What's in it for you?
Great people you'll actually want to work with. Wedding vibes, festival energy, and plenty of laughs, Opportunities to grow as Aston Norwood, Duke Bar & Restaurant, and Brac & Bow continue this exciting new chapter together.

We take no responsibility for the following Side effects..
These may include making lifelong mates, developing an unhealthy addiction to good coffee, and accidentally becoming the person everyone requests to work with.

Think you've got what it takes?

Sen us your CV (or just send us a message and tell us a bit about yourself).

Because this Blossom Festival... everyone's going to be talking about Aston Norwood.

E: [email protected]

Well... that's a wrap. ❤️Last night was our final service at Brac & Bow, and what a way to finish.To everyone who joined...
31/07/2026

Well... that's a wrap. ❤️

Last night was our final service at Brac & Bow, and what a way to finish.

To everyone who joined us, shared one last meal, raised a glass (or two), and took the time to wish us well thank you. Your kindness, support, and friendship over the years have meant more than words can ever say.

Brac & Bow has been so much more than a restaurant to us. It's been years of hard work, long days, late nights, unforgettable celebrations, challenges, laughter, and countless memories. We've poured our hearts into this place, and we're incredibly grateful to everyone who has been part of the journey.

To our amazing team you've been the heart of Brac & Bow. Watching you grow, learn, adapt, and give your all every single day has made us so proud. None of this would have been possible without you.

While it's bittersweet to close this chapter, we're also excited for what's ahead. Our focus is now on creating something just as special at The Duke.

Don’t forget our sister eatery Mother Goose is open Thursday to Monday, midday until late (closed Tuesday & Wednesday), and we'd love to welcome you there too.

To everyone who has supported Brac & Bow from day one, or even just once we'll never forget you. Thank you for every booking, every meal, every celebration, every recommendation, every smile, and every moment you shared with us.

We can't wait to see you again soon.

Signing off Brac & Bow

Theo & John

Photo from a Staff Christmas party when we let Rhubarb Rouge host us - Such Fun!

Thinking of that special day…. 💍Where every little detail tells your story, every plate is crafted with love, and every ...
26/07/2026

Thinking of that special day…. 💍

Where every little detail tells your story, every plate is crafted with love, and every moment becomes a cherished memory.

At Brac & Bow Catering, we're honoured to bring your vision to life, creating a celebration that's beautifully, unapologetically yours.

But don't just take our word for it…

“We cannot thank Theo, John and the entire Brac & Bow team enough.

Just five business days before our wedding, we were unexpectedly let down by the previous operators of our reception venue. What could have been a disaster became one of the biggest blessings of our wedding thanks to Brac & Bow.

In an incredibly short timeframe, Theo, John and the team created an entirely new menu, replaced décor, redecorated the bridal suite and seamlessly took over the running of our reception. They truly pulled a rabbit out of a hat.

Not only did they rescue our wedding, but the food, service and hospitality exceeded every expectation. We felt genuinely valued, listened to and cared for, and nothing was ever too much trouble. Their professionalism, flexibility and willingness to go above and beyond made all the difference during an incredibly stressful week.

Our guests RAVED about the food, I don’t know how the team even did as the venue did not have power most of the night. Just wow!

We cannot recommend Theo, John and the Brac & Bow team highly enough. Thank you for turning what could have been a disaster into an unforgettable wedding reception”

We can't wait to be part of your love story and help create a day you'll treasure forever…. 🤍

Contact John - 0273663441 or [email protected]

Dearest Reader,The blossoms are about to bloom, weddings are taking over the calendar, Brac & Bow has packed its bags an...
26/07/2026

Dearest Reader,

The blossoms are about to bloom, weddings are taking over the calendar, Brac & Bow has packed its bags and is joining the party at Aston Norwood, and Duke Bar & Restaurant is about to get very busy.

Which leaves us with one tiny problem...

We need more awesome humans.

So, if you've ever thought, "I'd look pretty good carrying three plates and a tray of Aperol Spritz," this might just be your moment.

We're looking for casual and part-time & full time legends to help us with:

Blossom Festival & other festivals, Weddings Private events and Restaurant & Bar service at Duke Bar & Restaurant

Who are we looking for?

Have a great attitude (we can teach the rest).
Have hospitality experience... or can convince us you'll be amazing anyway.
Can laugh under pressure.
Know how to work hard and have fun doing it.
Love being part of a team.
Aren't afraid of a busy shift (or the occasional coffee order with six modifications!?

What's in it for you?
Great people you'll actually want to work with. Wedding vibes, festival energy, and plenty of laughs, Opportunities to grow as Aston Norwood, Duke Bar & Restaurant, and Brac & Bow continue this exciting new chapter together.

We take no responsibility for the following Side effects..
These may include making lifelong mates, developing an unhealthy addiction to good coffee, and accidentally becoming the person everyone requests to work with.

Think you've got what it takes?

Sen us your CV (or just send us a message and tell us a bit about yourself).

Because this Blossom Festival... everyone's going to be talking about Aston Norwood.

E: [email protected]

Dearest Reader,Ours story began inside a derelict school house, under the weathered beams where strangers became friends...
22/07/2026

Dearest Reader,

Ours story began inside a derelict school house, under the weathered beams where strangers became friends, celebrations became cherished traditions, and simple meals somehow found a way of becoming lifelong memories.

Six years later, The Royal Hotel stood proudly as our home however even the most beautiful stories are destined to turn another page.

Whispers have drifted through the hills. Clues have been scattered like petals upon the breeze. A Duke has found his estate

And now, at last...

It is with hearts full of gratitude, excitement, and no small measure of wonder that we reveal the next home of Brac & Bow will be at Aston Norwood.

Known as The Duke Bar & Restaurant.

Alongside our beloved fur family the very companions who started this journey, Brac & Bow Catering will continue its story through unforgettable events, Weddings, and special occasions hosted within the elegance of Aston Norwood’s ballroom.

A place where tall trees stand watch over winding pathways, where blossoms awaken each spring in delicate shades of pink.
Where laughter dances beneath a leafy canopy, hot chocolate warms winter hands, wine accompanies long conversations, and every season offers a new reason to gather together.

Most importantly...

A place where memories will continue to be written.
Though our address may change, the soul of Brac & Bow never shall.

You have been the heart of this story from the very beginning.
Thank you for believing in us, for supporting us, and for allowing us the privilege of becoming part of your own stories.

Our newest home at Aston Norwood wouldn't have been possible without The Owners Fiona and Mark & Family believing in our dream and wholeheartedly welcoming us into The Aston Family.

Before we step into this beautiful new chapter, we invite you to join us one final time inside The Royal Hotel before we close our doors there on 31 July.

Until then…

Meet us beneath the blossoms, The next chapter of Brac & Bow Presents “The Duke Bar & Restaurant ” & we cannot imagine writing this chapter without you….

Yours faithfully,
A Most Grateful Proprietor

P.S. It would seem Society solved the mystery after all... and one cannot help but think the Duke has chosen rather beautifully.

Address

1747 Sh2 Kaitoke
Upper Hutt
6018

Opening Hours

Monday 3pm - 9pm
Tuesday 3pm - 9pm
Wednesday 3pm - 9pm
Thursday 3pm - 9pm
Friday 3pm - 10pm
Saturday 12pm - 10pm
Sunday 12pm - 10pm

Telephone

+6463088567

Website

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