[Keith C.]

You wouldn't think that is much of a question, would you? But when I go to bars, it seems to have many answers. Back when I was in the US, I knew the answer - 16 oz. In NZ, I'm not so sure. I've seen mention of Imperial pints, true pints, and then there are things like "handles". In one place, they said they had "true pints", and they were somewhere over 500 mls, which is more than 16 oz. I asked some Kiwi friends, and they didn't really seem to know either.

Can anyone enlighten me? Until you do, I'll just have to keep responding to the bartender the way I do now - "Uh, the big one, thanks." :cheers

[JandM]

A UK pint is 20 fl. oz., and that's what's known as an Imperial pint. Again in the UK, a 'handle' is a glass that's got one (and it can be in pint or half-pint sizes), as opposed to a 'straight glass', so that might be what you're seeing in NZ bars, too.

[benandclare]

A "handle" down here is as pretty much as close to a "pint" as makes any difference :cheers

[Wonderbob]

So Keith a pint = 600 ml, but most handles in NZ (sometimes also known as "pints" are actually half a litre, or 500 ml, so not really pints at all, but near as dammit). Some bars will sell you "pints" in larger different shaped glasses (like the UK std pint glasses for e.g), and they actually measure 600 ml, so real pints. Cheers, Bob.

[Ramo]

So Keith a pint = 600 ml, but most handles in NZ (sometimes also known as "pints" are actually half a litre, or 500 ml, so not really pints at all, but near as dammit). Some bars will sell you "pints" in larger different shaped glasses (like the UK std pint glasses for e.g), and they actually measure 600 ml, so real pints. Cheers, Bob.

ok, going to be a pedant here, but a UK pint is actually 568ml - I only remember as the old milk bottles (remember them!) had them written on the side. Still, you're getting more pint for your buck in the UK!

[victoria24]

ah! but you got the frothy head to account for!

[JandM]

Oh, for heaven's sake, now I've just found that UK and US fl. oz. are different, even... no wonder we're all at crossed purposes. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cooking_weights_and_measures

[victoria24]

i'd just stick to ordering a pint of whatever you like and enjoying it :nice1

[IanW99]

i'd just stick to ordering a pint of whatever you like and enjoying it :nice1

The problem is that most bars won't understand you if you ask for a pint!!!

Found the simplest thing is to just ask for the drink itself, they always manage to put it in the appropriate glass, otherwise asking for a "handle" normally does the trick.

Ian

[CJ22]

Either of the pubs in Devonport know what a pint is. I just ask for a pint and they give me a big glass as opposed to a little one :)

Maybe it depends on how big the local expat population is. But you'd expect a pub called 'The Patriot' to take a pint in it's stride!

[Keith C.]

Oh, for heaven's sake, now I've just found that UK and US fl. oz. are different, even... no wonder we're all at crossed purposes. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cooking_weights_and_measures
You'd have thought all of the former British colonies could have kept the same idiosyncratic system. But, noooo. You'll notice that even Wikipedia gave up on figuring out the NZ measures. Maybe they're the same as Australia?

Regardless, at least I now know enough to abandon the US pint for the larger British one. :cheers

[victoria24]

get a pitcher then sit back and relax :nice1

[chocolate cake]

get a pitcher then sit back and relax :nice1

so how many pints are there in a pitcher? :roll

[Keith C.]

One day all of this knowledge will be useful. It's like knowing the carrying capacity and migratory habits of European and African swallows. As Arthur said: "Well, you have to know these things when you're a king, you know."