Visiting trio hitting up Wellington 17-19 Jun

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Permalink Reply by Greig McGill on June 13, 2012 at 7:50am

As an out-of-towner, but beer nerd, I always get asked this by friends about to visit Wellington. Honestly, it's a tricky one for me as I love almost all of Wellington's great beer bars, but there are some I'd always visit, and some I'd put on the "only if I have time" list. Without wanting to offend anyone, here's my two lists along with why:

Must Visit:

The Malthouse - partly out of a sense of worship (from an atheist, no less) for the bar that started it all*, but mainly because the beer list is fantastic, the staff are great (if a bit rushed sometimes, choose before you hit the bar), and the bar is fun to read... There are those who find the "Courtney Place-ness" of it a little much. To them, I say go when it's quiet, as it is a bit small, and when the green-bottle-and-rtd brigade arrive en mass, you can plan to be elsewhere. Two handpumps also.

Hashigo Zake - you've already said it, though I've never seen it abbreviated to "Zake" before. I wonder if that will catch on? In contrast to the Malty, this is a place to enjoy properly when it's busy, though there's a fine line between busy and so packed you can't move. Again, you know the beer is great, but it's the staff that make this place. Give Dave Wood a man hug from me. Another bar with two handpumps!

Little Beer Quarter - if I had to pick my favourite place to just relax by myself and drink in Wellington, this would be it. The tap selection is small but perfectly chosen, and often includes something pretty amazing. There's a good choice of bottles in the fridges, and the food is excellent. Also, if you like cigars, they have a nice covered outdoor area where you can enjoy them. That said, I never mix cigars and beer. Quickest way to kill my palate I find. Sadly, I can't recall if they have a handpump, but I THINK they do.

The Hop Garden - much like LBQ above, the Hop Garden is one of those places that just "feels nice" to drink in. I've spent shamefully little time here, but every time I have been, I've loved it. Another excellently selected tap and bottle list, including a handpump.

The Fork and Brewer - a large, if erring toward the conservative, tap selection and brought to you by the team behind the Malthouse. It actually recaptures a bit of the "original malthouse" vibe. They'll be brewing their own beer real soon now, I believe. This is a bit of a controversial choice with some of Wellington's beer people, but screw it, I like the place, and this is MY list! ;)

If You Get Time:

Just to be really clear, there is nothing wrong with any of the bars on this list. I just find that they are either a bit out of the way, and/or their beer selection isn't unique enough to choose them over one of the bars above.

The Taphaus - the only real negative here is that I find the staff are a little less than passionate about beer, and requests for certain unfamiliar beers are met with a blank stare. That said, it's just over the road from Little Beer Quarter, so hey, see for yourself. I'd hate you not to visit a bar just because I didn't rave about it, and the tap selection is VAST!

The Bruhaus - I actually really like this bar. Almost enough for it to be on the must-visit list. Again, lack of staff "warmth" and passion for beer is about the only reason to miss this place, though that being said, I've had great service on at least one occasion from a very knowledgable bar person.

Bar Edward - man I love this bar. It's owned by the same man behind The Hop Garden. The ONLY reason it's not on the must visit list is distance from the CBD (it's in Newtown). If you have the time, this would sneak onto the must list.

D4 - great place, great food, but they do play it a little safe with their beer list. Perhaps for dinner or lunch?

There are a couple of other places, such as The Apartment (only been to while quite inebriated, and can't remember much), Southern Cross (haven't been for years, and have no idea what it's like nowadays), and Kelburn Village Pub (never been but I hear great things). I'm sure the locals here will fill you in on those.

I hope you have a great weekend!

Cheers,

Greig.

* Yes yes, you could argue Bodega, or the-other-place-I-can't-remember... feel free. I choose the Malthouse! ;)

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Permalink Reply by Glynn Foster on June 13, 2012 at 10:18am

Another place worth visiting is the Sprig and Fern, Tinakori Road. It's probably in the same category as Bar Ed, as it's a walk from town. But if you're up in the neighborhood...

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Permalink Reply by Rohan Tayler on June 14, 2012 at 12:51am

Always intrigued by anywhere slightly off the beaten track.  Will add Sprig and Fern to the list!

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Permalink Reply by Rohan Tayler on June 14, 2012 at 12:49am

Many thanks for the detailed response Greig.

I think we'll have enough time to at least pop in to all of these places.  I'm also pretty in to my coffee so there are multiple incentives to get around as much as possible.

I'll certainly post a trip report of sorts here when we're done.

Oh, and "Zake" is what everyone is calling it now.   Nah, in all seriousness I think I was just economising unconsciously.

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Permalink Reply by Chris Banks on June 14, 2012 at 8:14am

Greig - LBQ has two handpumps now!

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Permalink Reply by Greig McGill on June 14, 2012 at 8:26am

Oooh! Shiny! :)

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Permalink Reply by Dave W on June 15, 2012 at 9:15pm

As Greig said visit LBQ, have the smoked chicken Pizza with the vintage Rex attitude. brilliant combination.

Pity your not here on Wednesday, Hashigo is doing a tasting evening of some fresh off the (refrigerated shipping) boat from the brewery, De Molen, Evil Twin, Freigeist, Haandbryggeriet, Amager and Love Beer.

But Tuesday night at 5pm Hashigo have a new beer launch which is usually pretty good.

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Permalink Reply by Rohan Tayler on June 16, 2012 at 10:22pm

Thanks Dave.  Our hotel is spitting distance from LBQ.  Intrigued by this "vintage" Rex Attitude ;)

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