Variety is the Spice of Life at Mount Social Club

Mount Social Club has been open less than two years, but its heritage extends back decades. The popular Mount Maunganui venue has been a restaurant or bar since the 1970s. Once an icon of Mount Maunganui’s nightlife scene, the venue holds a special place in the hearts of locals.

So when Mount Social Club owner, Lucas Fleury, decided it was time to create a new ‘social hub’ for the community, he knew he had to do something special.

With a focus on fun and sustainability, the reinvention of 305 Maunganui Road has resulted in a lively social hub that the coastal Bay of Plenty township should be proud of.

“Our focus was on making a statement from the get-go,” says Mount Social Club Director, Lucas Fleury. “It was very hard work but very rewarding”.

And Lucas has certainly not failed in his attempt to “make a statement”. Walking into Mount Social Club is not only a feast for the palate but also a feast for the eyes. A commitment to upcycling and using as little new materials as possible has resulted in an eclectic, vibrant and ultimately delightful décor. Determined to stay away from Bunnings as much as possible, the Mount Social Club team managed to renovate 90% of the building with recycled materials like pallets, crates, cable wheels, even bathtubs to create a fun, laid-back setting. There are touches of quirky brilliance with a sailboat boat dining table and a brightly painted 1965 Land Rover sitting proudly in the restaurant and providing the perfect leaner for sharing drinks and starters with friends.

The magic of the Mount

Just as the name suggests, Mount Social Club is all about being social. The venue works just as well for an intimate dinner for two as it does for a group of friends looking for light snacks and a night out.

The kitchen team knows that it takes good food to make good times. They have worked hard to source only the highest-quality produce that is locally sourced, free-range and pasture-fed.

For Lucas, the commitment to responsibly farmed meat is non-negotiable and is part of a sustainability ethos that carries right the way through the restaurant to include how waste and food scraps are processed.

Making Menus Social

The ‘Super Social’ menu is light bites and sharing plates, ideally eaten as finger food while sharing a drink and some music with friends. Enjoy scoffing down the famous Social Sliders or the Grilled Scallop and Prawn Skewers finished garlic, ginger and coriander oil while listening to live music.

For those looking for a quieter dining experience, diners can choose the ‘Semi Social’ menu, which is a more traditional offering. And it is here that the restaurant’s commitment to the highest quality produce shines. Lucas and the kitchen team have worked hard to find the best locals suppliers to meet their exacting demands. Just don’t ask him to pick a favourite dish.

“They are all remarkable,” says Lucas. “The lamb dish is unique as we use sous vide lamb neck which comes out deliciously moist and flavoursome. The Chicken Tropicalia is a Brazilian inspired explosion of flavours and our vegan dish, The Garden Treasure, is an absolute hit even with those who love meat. 

“But many people say our steak is the best they’ve had. And I think that all comes down to having a really good butcher.”

Mount Social Club’s Fillet Mignon is aged Angus Beef served with potato thyme gratin, green beans and a choice of mushroom or blue cheese sauce.

A drinks menu that is a rare find

With an inspiring food menu and a fun, vibrant atmosphere the Mount Social Club takes the trifecta with its winning drinks offering.

“We probably have the most unique selection of tap beers in town,” says Lucas.

Mount Social Club is the only venue in Mount Maunganui where you’ll find fine ales like Hoegaarden, Emerson’s and Little Creatures on tap. Those who like the harder stuff will take delight in Lucas’ selection of premium and rare liquors, which includes a choice of 28 different rums.

On Sunday afternoons you can get along for Beats, Brews and BBQ for a chilled atmosphere. On Friday and Saturday nights you'll catch live acoustic music during dining and a DJ playing later. Mount Social Club is open every evening until 1 am.

With such a generous offering, it’s no surprise that Mount Social Club has created waves in the Mount Maunganui scene. And with Lucas Fleury at the helm, a whole new generation of locals are creating life-long memories at 305 Maunganui Road.