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 Lee Fern who owns Sprig + Fern Hardy St.
What do you do for fun if you ever have spare time outside of running your business?
I have taken up fly fishing again after 30 years and so far I’ve had moderate success, which gives me lots to build on.
What made you decide to go into business with Sprig + Fern Hardy St?
I was looking for a new challenge after 11 years on the road playing music full time. I initially came in as a manager and the rest as they say…
Favourite craft beer on tap at your tavern currently?
Harvest Pilsner™ – the fresh hops are always exciting and very palatable.
If you could only drink one style of beer for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Cold beer. But if pushed, I guess it would be a Pilsner of some kind.
What makes the Sprig + Fern Hardy St special?
Its demographic changes through the day and through the week. It’s a bit like the song Four Seasons in One Day, but we have four generations in one day. Everyone gets along.
Favourite local sports team?
Not a team but a person. Jeff Rackley. Born in Nelson, Jeff has been successful in cricket and rugby, as well as representing NZ at the famed Munich Olympics in ’72 as a welterweight boxer. Jeff has always been a big community supporter and that fits in nicely with the ethos of Sprig + Fern.
Favourite national sports team?
Again, a person rather than a team. Annelise Coberger (the first person from the Southern Hemisphere to medal at the Winter Olympics), I still remember watching her in Albertville. I had only been in NZ for 12 months.
What keeps you motivated to own a business in Nelson Tasman?
Nelson is a great spot to live. Everything is on our doorstep and I have made lifelong friends here. What’s not to like?
Favourite part of owning Sprig + Fern Hardy St?
The ability to put back into the community and see real results. The friends. The music. The memories.
Offering 20 core beers and ciders on tap, as well as 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.
Open 7 days Mon to Fri - 11am to late Sat & Sun - 12pm to late
