As the world-renowned philosopher, Homer J. Simpson, once famously said, “Ah, good ol’ trustworthy beer. My love for you will never die.” This is a sentiment that has echoed across the centuries, and encapsulates the mentality of men and women from all countries and cultures. So, if you’re in Christchurch and in need of sudsy refreshment, explore our guide and make your way to one of our chosen beer oasis.
Like many bars these days, the Volstead Trading Company have focused on emulating the speakeasies of the Roaring Twenties. It’s not quite cabaret girls and champagne, but it is secretive and cosy, a bit of comfort away from the common scene. They also have, arguably, Christchurch’s finest craft beer selection, with corking local drops as well as international award winners. There’s also the nice, old school touch of having the knowledgeable staff pull you a pint of certain tap beers.
The Twisted Hop Pub does exactly what it says on the tin. Here you’ll find a lovely, cosy establishment in the winter, but with a fine beer garden to enjoy when the sun is out. This gastro-pub has a micro-brewery on site, in which they condition their ale in casks. So, you can pick up a pint or two of their homebrew, or something a little more exotic from their extensive range of international beers.
If you’re of the opinion that no country on earth does a pub like the U.K. does, then you’re going to be thrilled when you walk into Pomeroy’s Old Brewery Inn. It’s incredible, the job they’ve done, on putting together a quintessential British pub at the bottom end of a country at the bottom of the world. Beer-wise they are focused on bringing a hand-picked selection of quality drops from New Zealand and beyond, so that you can enjoy a reflective pint in proper comfort.
Nothing beats a bit of fresh beer straight out of the vat, so if you’re after a keg in a hurry then this should be the first place you visit. These boys have been making quality beers for a while now, and their phenomenal brews have been slaking thirsts all around the country. This isn’t a bar, but you can pick up fine examples of stout, lager and red ale (as well as many others) in bottles, cans and kegs.
This is another local brewery, although not on the same scale as the Three Boys Brewery. However, it’s smaller, more boutique feel is the most charming aspect of it. They only produce and sell a handful of varieties, but the small batch brews are limited, specialty types of beer that make popping into the wee brewery somehow a bit more of an event. It’s also a nice feeling, knowing that you’re helping to support a local business rather than pumping money into the supermarket.
This is the only bottle-shop on our list, but it’s an essential establishment to have in your little black book of craft beer retailers. It was started to fill the void in the market in Christchurch for craft beer that you could pick up and take home. The mission has very much been accomplished as The Beer Library stocks about 300 different kinds of sweet, sweet, craft beer. So, yeah, if you’ve just moved to Christchurch fear not! You’re going to be sampling your heart out for a while.
Bar, Restaurant, Fast Food, Vegetarian, Oceanian, $$$
Burgers and beers. If there was ever a better combination, or one that you’d expect to be as safe as safe bets could be when it comes to restaurants, then this is the one. Taking two things that people love is a pretty safe strategy. They’ve got some decent beers in the fridge and available at all times, but you’ll have to ask the staff what they have in store when it comes to their range of rotating craft beers.
