Five of the best: Watering holes on the Shore

The Masonic Tavern is one of New Zealand's oldest taverns. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Feeling parched? Auckland's North Shore offers up some atmospheric places for a cold one and a bite to eat.

1. The Patriot
14 Victoria St, Devonport. Ph (09) 445 3010. Seven days, 11am-late.

Choose from an extensive range of beers and make sure you grab a bowl of their famous "fat chips".

2. Blankenberge Belgian Beer Cafe
136 Hurstmere Rd, Takapuna Beach. Ph (09) 486 6330. Mon-Sat 11.30-late, Sun 9am-late.

Located in the heart of Takapuna's Hurstmere Rd strip. (The highly regarded Florrie McGreal's and Elephant Wrestler are both on this strip, too.) Expect a great range of Belgian beers, a decent wine list, a warm atmosphere and better-than-your-average-pub-fare food.

3. Mad Dogs & Englishmen
20 Link Drive, Glenfield. Ph (09) 303 0506. Seven days, 11am-midnight.

Large screens, plentiful food and friendly staff. What more could you want?

4. Old Albany Pub
276 State Highway 17, Albany. Ph 415 9515. Seven days, 11am-midnight.

A country-style pub within the Albany township. There are pool tables if you feel like a pre-match game, with Quattro Restaurant serving a la carte meals.

5. Masonic Tavern
29 King Edward Parade, Devonport. Ph (09) 445 0485. Mon 11am-8pm, Tues-Wed 11am-10pm, Thurs 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11am-midnight, Sun noon-7pm.

The Masonic Tavern was built in 1866 and is one of New Zealand's oldest taverns. (It's also one of the oldest remaining buildings on Auckland's North Shore.) It has 14 excellent New Zealand beers, as well as a great gastro-pub menu with hearty fare like chowder, fish and chips and a selection of burgers.