Sprig + Fern Brewing Co. beers and ciders are well known around New Zealand, and Sprig + Fern Taverns are popular in their communities with eight in Nelson Tasman and 14 nationwide.
This month we get to know Ben Douglas and Sam Fitzgerald who own Sprig + Fern Tahuna.
What do you do for fun if you ever have spare time between running your business?
Ben: Spending time with my family, my children are two and five years old and they love coming to “Dads Pub” and hanging out.
Sam: Usually pretending I’m fit enough to play football with Tahuna Football Club and maybe a few cold ones back at ‘the Tahuna’ after.
What made you decide to go into business together with Tahuna?
Ben: I love the Sprig products and branding and Tahuna is such a special place, it all just made sense really.
Sam: Loved the brand since I first got to Nelson, Sprig + Fern Tahuna came along then, beach, Sprig + Fern beer. Why wouldn’t you really.
Favourite craft beer on tap at your tavern currently?
Ben: Chasing Hazy is a stunning beer.
Sam: Awesome Mix Vol. 2.
If you could only drink one style of beer for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Ben: Classic Pilsner – super cold.
Sam: I’d have to go with Pilsner too.
What makes your Tahuna Tavern special?
Ben: The beach vibe, relaxing, long sunshine filled days.
Sam: It’s just very chill, you can sit here all day, soak in the sun, enjoy the beers, share some food with mates. Like Ben said, the vibe is just good.
Favourite local sports team?
Ben: Stoke Under 6 Eagles.
Sam: The mighty Tahuna FC.
Favourite National sports team?
Ben: All Blacks.
Sam: All Blacks.
What keeps you motivated to own a business in Nelson Tasman?
Ben: It’s such an amazing place to do business, so much variety of industry and a great place to live.
Sam: Such an array of different people coming through the doors keeps life interesting. Maybe the nelson weather has something to do with it too.
Favourite part of owning Sprig + Fern Tahuna?
Ben: The people, seeing the same smiling faces returning to enjoy what we have to offer and also welcoming first timers and seeing them leave satisfied.
Sam: Working with such a fun team and getting to know some great characters over the years.
Open Mon – Fri from 2pm, Sat and Sun from 12pm.
Famous for its sunny beer garden, food offering and 16 core beers and ciders on tap, plus limited release products which are often experimental in style or the hops used. From hazys through to porter, hard seltzer and ciders there is something on tap for everyone.
