The humble country pub has long been more than just  a place to grab a cold one.

In many rural communities, it is the beating heart of social life, connection, and resilience.

That spirit was on full display during the Rural Guardian’s inaugural South Island Country Pub of the Year competition, which drew more than 5,000  votes and ignited local pride from Nelson to Southland.

When the votes closed on October 20, the Makikihi Country Hotel emerged as the winner with an impressive 1,200 votes, closely followed by Donegal House in Kaikōura on 963 votes.

Makikihi Country Hotel co-manager Belinda Coco said the win was both a surprise and a validation of their commitment to being more than a pub.

“It was so nice to have something just for country pubs,” she said. “These places don’t always get a look in when the big hospitality awards come around.”

A changing pub landscape

Coco and co-manager Daniel Lewis took over the Makikihi Country Hotel nearly eight years ago, at a time when several nearby pubs were closing their doors.

“Back then, a lot of pubs still relied on the old model of late nights and high bar sales,” said Lewis. “Those days are gone. You’ve got to evolve.”

The couple restructured the business around quality food, accommodation, and a welcoming atmosphere that caters to both locals and travellers - a shift they believe has been key to their survival.

“People are looking for good meals in a relaxed environment now,” said Coco. “You can’t just pour beer and hope for the best.”

The modern rural hub

For locals, Makikihi is more than a hospitality venue - it’s a support system.

“It brings the community together,” said Coco. “People come here to talk, to catch up, to meet new faces. It’s a safe place to go when you need company.”

Lewis sees the pub as a kind of informal network for rural life.

“If you need someone to help out on-farm, chances are you’ll find them here. It’s still the old-school marketplace before Facebook.”

Regular patron Michael Simpson agrees. “It’s exactly what a country pub should be,” he said. “Great food, a loyal team who know your name, and a Friday night when you can’t find a spare seat.”

Another regular, Anna Miles, says the pub has a role in seasonal wellbeing in the farming community.

“During calving or after long wet weeks, people know they can come here for a proper meal and a good chat.”

The hotel’s 12 accommodation rooms are heavily used during the working week, particularly by truck drivers and agricultural workers.

Weekends bring a mix of families, local events and casual diners.

A celebration of small-town resilience

Runner-up Donegal House in Kaikōura also received overwhelming support.

“It was so exciting watching the votes,” said co-owner Kate Lawson. “We’re out of town, so people make a real effort to come here. I think that made our locals really proud.”

Lawson says the competition resonated because it was decided by the patrons themselves.

“So many awards are judged by panels who haven’t even set foot in the place. This one was the people speaking.”

That sentiment was echoed by Jody Macdonald, co-owner of The Fort Enfield in North Otago.

“We’re all in it together,” she said. “Running a country pub isn’t easy, especially in winter, so it meant a lot to feel supported.

“We just want to thank everyone who took the time to vote and, more importantly, everyone who supports us throughout the year. We love having people here at The Fort - it means a lot to us.”

Many publicans across the country were quick to congratulate Makikihi when the winner was announced - a reminder that rural hospitality is as much about collaboration as competition.

" It is not about competing against each other, it is about backing each other,” Macdonald said.

Sponsored with local heart

The competition was supported by Service Foods, who provided a $500 credit to the winning pub and a $100 hamper, awarded to voter Rebecca Machado.

Troydon Lill, South Island general manager for Service Foods, said supporting the competition aligned with the company’s values.

“We started as a small business too,” he said. “We know what it’s like to go up against the big corporates. These pubs are doing the same - serving their communities with heart.”

Looking ahead

For Makikihi, the next steps include expanding their catering services and exploring the possibility of extending their accommodation after consistently turning away weekday bookings.

But for now, the focus is on celebrating with the people who made the win possible.

“We celebrate with our locals every day,” said Coco. “This just makes it a bit more special.”

Lewis says the win has also given their staff a boost.

“It shows we’re heading in the right direction. They’re a huge part of why this place works.”

More than a title

As the team prepares for a community celebration, there’s a sense that the competition has done more than crown a winner - it has reminded people why country pubs matter.

“They’re places where you’re known,” said Simpson. “Where you can walk in alone and have a good conversation. Every town needs one.”

The final word belongs to Coco: “Thank you to everyone who voted: not just for us, but for all the small pubs out there. Keep supporting local. These places keep communities connected.”

By Claire Inkson