Spirit Cruises January 2023 Leaderboard

The Green Dragon: Real Life Hobbit Bar Opens for Business

by The Drink Nation on Dec 17, 2012 in Culture
The Green Dragon: Real Life Hobbit Bar Opens for Business

Fans of the Lord of the Rings may recognize The Green Dragon, a pub frequented by Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin. Now, if you care to make the trip down under, you can belly up to the same bar.

As part of the set for Peter Jackson’s trilogy, a life-size tavern was constructed in New Zealand, though it was burned down (on purpose) while filming the devastation of the Shire in Return of the King. However, the pub makes a short appearance as the place where Bilbo Baggins meets the dwarfs before they set off in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, so it was entirely rebuilt for the making of that movie. Now that the film is out in theaters, the bar is open for business.

The tourists who flock to the movie set town Hobbiton, located near Matamata on New Zealand’s North Island, can duck through circular doorways and take up a seat in the Merry Parlour or the Bywater Beer Garden and enjoy a drink. Four specially brewed sips are available, including a light English bitter ale, a traditional English Ale (each 3.8% ABV), a slightly stronger cider (5% ABV) and a non-alcoholic ginger beer.

Jackson’s movies have been great for Kiwi tourism, and the Prime Minister of the country was even on hand for the late November official opening of The Green Dragon. Though it’s currently only a short stop on tours of the set, there are plans to convert the thatched-roof building to an inn that allows overnight stays. Anyone up for a journey to Middle Earth?

Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Rittenhouse Goes Car-Free Every Sunday in September: Here are the Best Bars to Hit

Rittenhouse Goes Car-Free Every Sunday in September: Here are the Best Bars to Hit

Center City District will close the streets allowing pedestrians to enjoy outdoor seating, music, and activiti...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Sep 6, 2024
Best Cocktail Bars at the Jersey Shore

Best Cocktail Bars at the Jersey Shore

We've rounded up all of the must-stop spots for sipping spirits by the beach, whether your vibe is dark and sexy or vibrant and divey....read more ›

by Drink Philly Aug 26, 2024
The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

Have you ever dreamed of having an amazing home bar, filled with bottles you actually use and the tools you need to execute a fine crafted cocktail? E...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Nov 14, 2014
SPONSORED
Spirit Cruises January 2023 Desktop Bottom Rectangle 1
Behind the Bar: Jillian Moore of My Loup

Behind the Bar: Jillian Moore of My Loup

This time on Behind the Bar, we interview bartender and bar manager Jillian Moore of My Loup. We chat with her about her cocktail menu, the effects of...read more ›

by Drink Philly May 13, 2024
Oltremare: Inside Look at their Amalfi Coast Inspired Cocktails

Oltremare: Inside Look at their Amalfi Coast Inspired Cocktails

Oltremare is the newest endeavor by Chef Townsend Wentz, located at 2121 Walnut Street, near Rittenhouse Square...read more ›

by Drink Philly Apr 22, 2024
Best Bars for Outdoor Drinking in Philadelphia, 2024

Best Bars for Outdoor Drinking in Philadelphia, 2024

We've got your definitive list of where to drink outside in Philadelphia...read more ›

by Drink Philly Apr 9, 2024
Philadelphia Distilling Launching Secret Pop-Up Cocktail Garden for Earth Day, April 11-21

Philadelphia Distilling Launching Secret Pop-Up Cocktail Garden for Earth Day, April 11-21

Philadelphia Distilling is transforming their fourth floor space into a secret garden to celebrate Earth Day, ...read more ›

by Drink Philly Apr 9, 2024
Dizengoff: Inside Look at the New Reimagined Restaurant, Bar, & Cocktails

Dizengoff: Inside Look at the New Reimagined Restaurant, Bar, & Cocktails

Last year, Dizengoff and Abe Fisher decided to join forces and embark on an exciting new chapter. After closin...read more ›

by Drink Philly Mar 5, 2024
Behind the Bar: Tom Foy of Butcher Bar

Behind the Bar: Tom Foy of Butcher Bar

In this installment of Behind the Bar, we sit down with bartender Tom Foy of Butcher Bar...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 19, 2024
48 Record Bar: An Inside Look at an Audiophile's Listening Room & Cocktail Bar

48 Record Bar: An Inside Look at an Audiophile's Listening Room & Cocktail Bar

48 Record Bar is the newest addition to the growing Listening Room trend in Philadelphia...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 19, 2024
SPONSORED
Spirit Cruises January 2023 Desktop Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close