Porridge Watson — Restaurant in Manawatū-Whanganui

Porridge has got everything I want in a Local. Great craft beers at affordable prices that rotate, so there's always something new to try. The food needs a Michelin Star and I'll often come down just for that.

There is always something going on, such as comedy nights, quiz nights, poetry, karaoke... at the weekend during the day there's bands playing outside so you can sit out and enjoy the sun and music with a cold one. At night there are often a variety of gigs to cover all tastes so you should keep an ear out for what's on.

The bar staff are super friendly and hospitable and the regulars are great too. Porridge is the kind of pub you can go out to by yourself and you're probably going to make a new friend or two by the end of the night.

Porridge is where the culture is, if you're into art and music it's the place to be. It's in the middle of a bunch of local galleries that are within walking distance, and a lot of our local artists and musos are patrons.

I'd also like to add that it's a queer friendly space, I'm out and it's one of the only pubs in town I feel entirely safe, welcome and comfortable.

Oh and they're dog friendly too! People often bring their dogs during the day and they even offer 'dog beer' (bonebroth) that your pets will love.

So if that sounds like your kind of pub, check it out, I highly...

I like the consistency of this bar. Feels the same today as it did 3 years ago.

There's a food menu so I was excited to try it on this visit back to Whangnaui. The burger tasted great but very oily, I think it was $22 dollars for their version of the double cheese burger (fries not included). The bun was basically just a wet mush of oil. When you add a drink and a side such as fries, it's approaching the $40 mark and you'd really expect better quality.

There's better burger joints in town (better burger, better price, even the Burger King is better), however this is definitely the place to go after...

If you haven't visited Porridge Watson have you even been to Whanganui?

Head down the alleyway to find a wonderful outdoor area with the best Angry Fox cocktails. Then through the magical door to find the cozy eclectic space that is Porridge. You'll be spoilt for choice with a wide range of drinks including plenty of non-alcoholic ones.

The place is fur baby friendly and you can even bring along your human child, if you so wish.

Whether you want to dance the night away to crispy beats or sink back into your feelings with poetry, Porridge...