Nestling behind tall trees at the lower end of Howick’s main street is an old house that has been lovingly restored to its former good looks, and is now a friendly pub-restaurant called 68 On Main.
Carl Freer and Kevin Lucas, who own the house in Main Street set about transforming it.
“We all fell in love with the place, which dates back to 1869 and is the second oldest existing building in Howick“, says Carl Freer, the proprietor. “We wanted a sympathetic restoration of the building, which is actually two semi-detached houses”.
Much time and effort went in to restoring the property and subtly converting it into a restaurant with a large pub and a lower level dining area. There are also ‘monk’s benches’ for diners who prefer to eat in the bar area. It is a non-smoking pub – smokers move onto the patio, which is protected from the weather by blinds, to light up. The restaurant comes with a sense of history that is enhanced by the stained glass windows and gleaming wooden floors and ceilings.
The menu is an inviting combination of firm favourites such as fish and chips (the lightest, crispiest chips ever with the tastiest fish), steaks, calamari, burgers and spare ribs. There are some innovative additions too, like the “Pint of Prawns” – a dozen prawns served in a beer mug with a tasty dressing.
To wet the throat there’s the fully licensed pub, with Hansa on tap. There’s also a selection of tea and coffee, including cappuccino, and Irish coffee, and various desserts on special.
Kitchen opens:
- Tuesday – Saturday: 09:00 – 21:00;
- Monday: 11:00 – 21:00; and
- Sunday: 09:00 – 16:00.
