Journeying through Christchurch, New Zealand’s third-largest city, isn’t just an exploration of its beautiful gardens, the serene Avon River, or the vibrant art scene; it is an invitation to a grand, sensory adventure of its flourishing craft beer culture. Known as ‘The Garden City’, Christchurch also harbours an intriguing beer garden that has witnessed an explosive growth of craft beer bars in recent years. Here’s a whimsical tour fit for the connoisseur who appreciates the alchemy behind every pint – a craft beer aficionado’s guide to Christchurch’s beer bars.
Your voyage of liquid gold discovery commences at Pomeroy’s Old Brewery Inn. Located in Kilmore street, Pomeroy’s is steeped in tradition and history, retaining its charm and allure over years. Embracing artisanal Kiwi breweries, it offers an extensive selection of local craft beer and ciders. The aesthetic combination of malt-brown and tartan accents in the décor perfectly compliments their pour-it-forward board, which is an innovative concept that lets you pre-pay and gift a beer to a friend. To round off the experience, do not miss their signature steak and creamy seafood chowder.
The second stop on this audacious exploration is the Volstead Trading Company. Housed in a former warehouse in Riccarton, its rustic, industrial-themed ambiance pays homage to the prohibition era in the US. This is indeed the haunt for the truly discerning craft beer enthusiast, given their versatile lineup of eccentric and experimental handcrafted beers. Amongst its artful menagerie of 24 rotating taps, the peanut butter or coconut infused stouts are the ones you wouldn’t want to miss. Pair them with their potent buffalo wings or the down-to-earth cheeseburger for a classic American experience down south.
We head east to the heart of Christchurch at our midway point, The Craft Embassy. Here, 30 taps of locally produced beers and ciders call out to you at the enticing waterfront location. Situated on the top floor of the luxurious Terrace hospitality precinct, this bar offers an unparalleled view of the Avon river and the cityscape. Their unique beer flights, comprising five different varieties of craft, form an excellent introduction to the local breweries. Signature dishes include their all-day breakfast and famous lamb rack, adding a culinary accent to this gourmet journey.
Our final destination lies in the intriguing suburbs of Sydenham, twinned with an equally intriguing name – Two Thumb Brewing Co. This eponymous microbrewery and taproom offer an intimate experience where the brewing process is within arm’s-length. Their personalised approach doesn’t stop there, as their beers often bear the names of the people around the suburb, adding a local touch. The house specials include the ‘Dean’s Chocolate Hazelnut Porter’ and the Kiwi-style Pale Ale named ‘Zeffer Cider Apple Crumble’.
This comprehensive guide merely scratches the bar christchurch surface of what Christchurch’s craft beer scene has to offer, but it certainly shows why the city is regarded as a hub for beer lovers. As the sun sets on this picturesque city, toast a craft ale to the city’s resilience, raise a glass to its recovery, and let the frothy goodness linger on your palate. As you sip, remember that each beer is not merely a beverage but a testament to the city’s artisanal spirit, a manifestation of Christchurch’s vibrant character.