OUR STORY

Historic black-and-white photo of the Valley Inn tavern in a two-story corner building, with a vintage car parked outside.
Speight's and TAB-branded pub building with outdoor patio seating, flagpole, trees, and parked cars at dusk.
Historic Valley Inn building with a DB Brewery sign in a rugged hillside mining town
Historic cream-colored two-story building with balconies and red signs on a mountain-lined street
White two-story building with a gray metal roof beside a green hillside and street signs

For more than 140 years, the Valley Inn has been at the heart of Heathcote Valley. While the building may have changed, the sense of community, history and hospitality that makes this place special has remained.

The original pub was sadly destroyed in the September 2010 earthquake, making way for the distinctive triangular building you see today. As the first rebuild in Christchurch, the new Valley Inn marked an important new chapter while still keeping its connection to the past.

Reminders of that history can still be found throughout the tavern. The original brick-lined well now sits at the centre of the bar as a unique feature, while the old pepper trees continue to shade the courtyard. Historic photographs, paintings and memorabilia throughout the venue celebrate both the Valley Inn and the wider story of Heathcote Valley.

Today, the Valley Inn is a place to come together over good food, cold drinks and plenty of good times. Our kitchen focuses on fresh, quality ingredients with a modern approach, offering everything from casual bar favourites to full restaurant dining. With regularly changing menus, daily specials, live events and plenty happening throughout the week, there’s always a reason to come back.

The Valley Inn has always been about more than just a place to eat and drink. It’s a place for catching up with friends, celebrating milestones, meeting new people and being part of the local community.

Owners Dean and Genaea Calvert are proud to continue the Valley Inn tradition and welcome locals and visitors alike.

140 years on, the Valley Inn remains a proud part of Heathcote Valley.

Outdoor restaurant patio with seating, umbrellas, barbecue grills, a large shade tree, and rocky mountain views
Steamed mussels and clams garnished with herbs and served with toasted bread on a white plate
Large mature tree with twisting branches beside an outdoor seating area and glass enclosure
Valley Inn Tavern courtesy van parked outside a building with a rugged mountain backdrop under a colorful sunset sky
Close-up of assorted craft beer taps at a pub bar, including Pranhead, Wainwright, and Punk IPA handles.
Museum interior with framed historical photographs, mountain scenery visible through windows, and a wooden counter with stools.
Outdoor patio with wooden picnic tables, a covered seating area, and a large tree in a raised planter
Close-up of a yellow reflective “Historic Pullman” sign displayed on a wooden cabinet, with a Chicago neighborhood map and blue clock in the background.
Interior of a TAB betting venue with a horse racing screen, betting kiosk, racing posters, and responsible gambling signs.
Grilled beef skewers with creamy sauce, flatbread, and mixed greens salad on a white plate
Interior of a traditional pub with a wooden bar, beer taps, chalkboard menus, framed wall photos, and high tables.
Outdoor patio with wicker chairs and a wooden table beside a building entrance, shaded by a large leafy tree.