Been busy with excitement here. At the end of August we celebrated Ava’s 25th birthday, with sisters Ruby & Georgia coming from Auckland to party, closely followed by the glittering spectacle of Victoria’s ‘1959’ 50th birthday and topped off by the bloody Halloween Party. Creepy prizes went to Skye Broberg’s Batgirl and Robin (with Batman accessory), Chopper Reid and the food-poisoning Lobster. Yummy.  Staff were ‘super’ on the night and the pub looked diabolical thanks to Ava’s dab hand at decorating.

Epic beer and whiskey tastings were well attended and very much enjoyed. Alily & Nathan’s ‘Exchange Student’ Pale Ale is a super brew debut and isn’t it choice to have locals who are great brewers & vice versa? Steve would like it known that he’s offering two gluten-free drops by the bottle – Scott’s Pale Ale and juicy, juicy Harvest Pear Cider.

Kudos to Keeley for successfully combining long hours behind the bar with his first year of serious study. The whole family took a few days off for Shannon’s 30th birthday in Sydney. After celebrating with her family and friends, and receiving a beautiful watch, Shannon declared it “the best weekend of my life!” Tears. Meanwhile Andi was back here ably womaning the pub and trying to change the name to “Andi’s”!

A pub being a bit like a port, there are many comings and goings. New head chef Matt replaces Dan for a short stint, chef Tom has branched out and can be found rolling delicious ices at the Lyttleton Market and alas, that ‘angel of ales’, Skye will be leaving us 31st December. Over the next few weeks make an effort to catch DJ Kurt on Funk Night, before he heads overseas and, likewise, Bongo From The Congo before they, um, head back to the jungle. Watch this space – there will be new acts, some music, some comedy, maybe even some Monday Night Specials! 

And what of our hosts? Steve, mostest host, has the gardens blooming, the Bo almost groaning to capacity and is constantly keeping his many staff on their toes. Queenly Victoria is hot on teaching yoga and looking forward to doing another course soon. In the meantime, she has decreed that Victoria’s Kitchen will now be open for lunch on Sundays! From 12.00pm!! Lastly, but most importantly, did you notice you’re standing on the beautiful, brand new carpet? 

Well, 2009, Chinese Year of the Ox, is almost over. It was also the International Year of Astronomy, the Year of the Gorilla and the Shark, the Year of Science and of Natural Fibres! All this makes me feel like I was just mucking around. But here’s another chance with 2010, Chinese Year of the Tiger - also Year of the Seafarer, Biodiversity and International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures! Thanks to everyone for another great year. We’re looking forward to a fantastic Year of Cheers & Beers at Pomeroy’s with you.