For regular listeners to this channel, you’ll know the city of Hamilton features frequently in our Not Serious Chats. I’ve threatened to record a chat here for a while and the lads behind some of the best eateries in the joint generously swapped a management meeting for a sit down with me — and boy did they bring it. Mat Pedley, Alex Hudson and John Moughan are the three musketeers intent on delivering humble hospitality to Hamilton like no one else. The brains behind a number of established eateries and bars in the Tron, these guys have an incredible way of seeing what might be missing and working out how to add it to the offering, giving the locals diversity, choice and deeply connected dining and drinking experiences. What struct me most about these guys is their relaxed, calm but seriously confident vision for the booze journey they want to share with their locals. Neat is a great example. Dark, simple shelves laden with bottles of beverages, labelled like eye-candy greet you when you walk in and there’s no behind-the-bar fit out here. You’ll be sat around a large, minimalist table designed for instigating good bants, be it with the bar keep or the bloke sitting next to you. Lit by a simple rice paper pendant lamp and surrounded by moody tunes played from vinyl on a turntable, you know this gaff is all about what’s in the glass and the good times that come with it. We got so not serious about wine for this chat, that we sat there trying whisky instead. And not just one but four incredible spirits that travelled across continents, incorporated history, discovery, curiosity, science, art and culture — pretty much what all good beverage does. If truth be told, I was spoiled rotten with the selection that Alex chose – on the spot – to pour while we chatted. All were delicious. All had their own story and one in particular was probably far too precious to share with the likes of me! A Single Malt called Flowermore caught my eye for its un-whisky-like label design and then almost made me faint when Alex mentioned what a bottle will set you back…. Let’s just say, there was to be no spitting that wee sampler. Look, these guys are serious aficionados of flavour. From ridiculously tasty pizza at Reggies, where you can watch the Mighty Waikato River meander by from the deck, to a burger at the Last Place while you watch a band go ballistic on stage or a winemaker’s dinner at Mr Pickles with some of NZ’s top winemakers, these guys overdeliver hard. So, pop your earphones in, pour yourself a tasty wee dram and settle in as we wait for the Hamilton fog to clear, this is the not serious Mat Pedley, Alex Hudson and John Moughan chat. not serious wine chats would like to thank our supporters: Tradecraft By the Bottle Antipodes Water Co. Special thanks to my pal, Benj Brooking of Popular.nz for his help with the editing. An expert filmmaker, editing these chats is being done as one mate helping another. Thanks Benj. You're a legend. join the chat instagram | facebook If you're struggling to put that glass down, perhaps our chats aren't the right ear candy for you. While the chats are not serious, living your best life is a very serious matter indeed and a life fuelled by addiction doesn't sound dreamy at all. If you think you need a hand, visit the Ministry of Health site for platforms that might help you take the first step towards taking control back. Our warmest wishes for success on that journey.
