Immerse yourself in the story of

Alice May Parkinson

along with some mouth-watering food and great ambience.

The Story of

Alice May Parkinson

Alice May Parkinson was one of 12 children born to George and Isabella Parkinson in the back country of the Hawkes Bay, New Zealand.
Alice’s family were relatively poor and strongly religious. Alice worked from the age of 14 in the domestic service and after she turned 20, worked as a pantry maid/waitress in a hotel in Napier.Alice fell pregnant to her lover Bert West but after the baby was stillborn her lover rejected her not withstanding his earlier promise to marry her. After an altercation Alice drew a revolver from her raincoat pocket and shot her lover 4 times before turning the gun unsuccessfully upon herself.
Alice was tried and sentenced to hard labour for the rest of her natural life by the New Zealand Chief Justice. The feminists of the Socialist Movement quickly formed a release committee for Alice and gained widespread and popular support. Alice became a household name with public meetings being held in Auckland and Wellington and 2 major petitions circulated New Zealand requesting her release from jail. In 1915, 60,000 people signed the petitions.
Finally, after serving 6 years in prison Alice was released in 1921 into the care of her mother. Subsequently Alice married Charles O’Loughlin and together they went on to have 6 children.
Jennie O’Loughlin (the owner) is one of Alice’s many grandchildren. This pub is dedicated to the memory of Alice and her son Bryan O’Loughlin.

To find out more check out these links to Alice May in the media:
The Listener
Radio New Zealand

A few kind words…

Must try in Franz Josef!

My friends and I went to Alice May’s for dinner. I ordered the steak with mushroom and bacon sauce. I like my steak blue and the chief cooked it perfectly. The staff couldn’t be faulted. Very friendly with a sense of humor despite the language barrier. We walked out and could not stop talking about the best meal we had in a long time.
Keep up the high standard 😃

– DIANNA SCOTT

What a fabulous place!

Wonderful, attentive service, delicious food with generous helpings, great bear on tap and wine list and a fascinating story, this place is a museum, restaurant and bar rolled into one! Highly recommend a visit if you’re in town to see the glacier!

– Alla Keogh

A true gem in a very small town.

Family of five on holiday looking for a tasty dinner restaurant with gluten free options. Couldn’t believe the diversity of tasty options on the menu. All five of us really enjoyed our meals. Extra props for the Sticky Toffee cake dessert. Outstanding!!

– gregp279
Salt Lake City, Utah

A Lovely Meal

“Had a lovely meal here on 15th January 2019. The food, the service, the entertainment and the scenery were all fantastic. I would highly recommend visiting this lovely little restaurant / bar if you are ever in the area.”

– John Speakes

Warm and Welcoming

Warm and welcoming after a long drive. Waiter was very friendly, excellent service. Lamb shank was very tasty with lots of gravy. Good value considering the location. Would come back.

– Kellie Huxford

An Absolute Must

Alice May is an absolute must when exploring NZ’s west coast. A relaxed and friendly atmosphere with a delicious menu to choose from. I would highly recommend the tender “melt in your mouth” beef cheeks! Can’t wait to go back!

– Melissa Oakley

Really good, home style food.

Feel good food which really warms up in the cold months. Would definitely recommend!

Vegetarian options: The vegan curry was fantastic!.

-LIAM FAUSTINI