Cartel brings festive vibe to new location
One of the Picton Food Cartel's burgers. Photo: William Woodworth.
Picton Food Cartel has found a summer home with the launch of Cartel Beer Garden, a collaboration with MOA Brewery at the former MOA Taproom site on Jacksons Road.
Cartel Director Matt Heath says the goal is simple, “Bringing banging burgers, bowls and beers back to the community with a festival vibe where people can just come and chill out in the garden.”
The kitchen operates from a converted shipping container, adding to the venue’s underground feel.
“We’ve got a good core team who’ve worked together before, so it’s all about consistency for our customers,” Matt says.
“People can always see our faces here and know they’re going to get the same great experience.”
Matt hopes the Cartel Beer Garden becomes a summer go-to, being open seven days with live music every Sunday and plans for an open mic night.
The venue opened last Friday with about 150 people and a menu focusing on regional produce and Marlborough-inspired flavours.
“Things aren’t too complicated – it’s just relying on doing a good burger well.”