Welcome to The Stables Tavern

Welcome to The Stables Tavern, Bar and Restaurant situated in the heart of Richmond. The Stables provide premium quality food and drinks, in a selection of settings to the people of Richmond and Nelson.

The Stables have a large assortment of quality beers and wines, locally produced as well as all the familiar brands. They also have an extensive food menu offering breakfast, lunch and dinner along with an ever changing special’s board; these can all be accompanied by our specially prepared wine menu.

The Stables have a wide variety of dining areas, from our intimate dining room upstairs, which can also be used for private functions or any special occasion, to the cosy and warm downstairs dining area, as well as the bar which leads out to our wonderfully large covered courtyard, complete with a wide screen TV and stage, you really are spoiled for choice at The Stables.

So if you are looking for a place to dine out or are looking for an ideal venue for your special occasion why not call in and sample the fantastic food or pop in and have a relaxing drink with family and friends.

History

The Stables Restaurant and Bar emerged from the rubble of an historic building that once stood as a monument to New Zealand’s early thoroughbred industry.

Henry Redwood, a pioneer farmer who arrived in the new Nelson settlement from Staffordshire in 1842, was known as the "Father of the New Zealand turf" for his expertise in breeding fine race horses. The Stables he built in the early 1850's next to his home in Appleby's foothills; stand restored and recycled, brick by brick, as The Stables restaurant in Richmond. Racing was Henry's chief love. He began importing stock from France. In 1851 when 33 horses arrived, New Zealand's first stud for breeding thoroughbreds was established.

Redwood's black and red colours became known all round Australasia. The original stables floor has remained in place and is protected by a heritage listing. The Stables restaurant that stands in Richmond today, is as close to the original from as possible, and contains more than 35,000 original bricks. "Restoration of the Redwood Stables was a fitting memorial to an outstanding pioneer in the district, and Father of the New Zealand Turf".