Sumner Post Office

Restored to glory and proudly standing on Nayland Street, Sumner Post Office is the neighbourhood’s new favourite place to eat, drink, and give back to the community with every sip.

The team behind Shining Peak Brewing are responsible for breathing new life into this beautiful heritage site, opening a standout eatery that has thrilled Ōtautahi locals since day one. In some ways, it’s a shame this building no longer has an operating postal service, because you’ll certainly want to write home about your visit here.

The façade and interior has been treated to a good spruce up, while preserving and highlighting the rich history throughout. This mighty restoration and extension project was led by Sumner Post Office’s business partners Chris Lumsden and Courtney Doig, who also enlisted the help of a local design company to recreate the old bronze crest that once lived above the entranceway before being stolen many years ago. Inside, the dark wooden panelled bar area is inscribed with gold signage – a charming old-world aesthetic that is complemented by a wavy fibreglass light fixture, exposed concrete beams, refreshing royal blue tones, and a mix of light blue ornamental and checkered floor tiling. A lot of hard work, heart and intention went into the fitout – and boy has it paid off.

At the helm of the kitchen is head chef Anna Victoria, a local food legend who has been delighting the city’s taste buds for several years now. Anna has curated a menu that is simple, fresh, and delicious – reminiscent of holidaying in the Mediterranean. Chances are you’ve already heard the town talking about the Neapolitan-style pizzas emerging from the wood-fired oven with perfectly puffy charred crusts and dreamy flavour combos. There’s no chance of going hungry with tables filled with 12-hour slow-cooked lamb, bowls of ricotta gnocchi, glossy olives, locally sourced cheese boards, and so much more. Unsurprisingly, there’s a solid line-up of Shining Peak brews available on tap, from crispy lagers to IPAs, and the wine and cocktails match the standard of beer.

As if you needed another reason to pop in for a beer in the sunny courtyard, Sumner Post Office continues Shining Peak Brewing’s ‘Drink Beer Do Good’ mission with The 5% Project. Every month, 5% of the venue’s beer revenues (that’s right – revenues, not profit) is given away to local organisations such as Coastguard Sumner and Sumner Kidsfirst Kindergarten. We’ll drink to that.