The Shout Magazine (New Zealand)

Spotlight on NZ Locals: Beer hotspots

The Shout NZ is dedicated to supporting Kiwi locals and in this month’s issue of our magazine, we explored some of the best places for a cold brew around the country.

Auckland: 16 Tun
A modern Kiwi take on a classic English pub, 16 Tun is located in Auckland’s Wynyard Quarter and features a solid oak and copper fit out, giving the cosy feel of a community lounge in the heart of the village. The ever-changing tap selection gives you instant engagement with the team who can guide you through the carefully crafted beers of independent brewers from all over New Zealand. They are passionate about providing the best beer New Zealand has to offer. Even the name is a nod to the brewer’s noble art. A Tun is an insulated brewing vessel used in the mashing and lautering stages of beer making.
Signature brew: Any of the carefully curated rotating 19 taps.
Number one food and beer pairing: Buffalo Chicken wings with the Bootleg Belgian Tripel – the monks would have definitely bought this out on chicken night!

Wellington: Fork and Brewer
A laidback craft beer pub, Fork and Brewer is one of the OG beer spots of Wellington. With 42 taps in-house (40 of those pouring Fork and Brewer beer), there’s everything from lagers and IPAs to spiced pumpkin stouts and grape ales. More like a neighbourhood pub in the heart of the CBD, there is always good food, great beer and a chilled vibe. It’s the perfect place to drink great beers with friends old and new and not worry about what you’re wearing or who you’re with.
Signature brew: Lupo Solitario Mosaic – a single hopped IPA with 100% New Zealand Mosaic.
Number one food and beer pairing: Homemade short rib pie served with a delicious pint of Colorado – a full-bodied, malty red IPA with subtle stone fruit undertones.

Christchurch: Moon Under Water
A neighbourhood venue inspired by the commonalities between British, Irish and Dutch community pubs, Moon Under Water is place to meet friends, catch up over a beverage, watch the world go by or just read a book with a beer. The team is not only passionate about presenting the very best quality beers possible to their customers, but they also care about the story behind the beer. And to make it even better, one of the core principles at Moon Under Water is being actively involved in the community – whether that’s fundraising, organising community events and festivals or standing up for social issues they are passionate about. It’s more than just a pub.
Signature brew: Each year they hold the “New Zealand Stout Challenge”, so that’s a style we’re well known for serving.
Number one food and beer pairing: A fantastic New Zealand-made cheese by the likes of Whitestone in Oamaru paired with something lovingly-made by Craftwork Brewing.

Queenstown: Atlas Beer Café
A hidden local watering hole nestled on the shore of Lake Wakatipu, Atlas has a small footprint but a big atmosphere. With quirky décor, friendly staff, good tunes and great banter, the Atlas team is passionate about all things beer and food related. With a great variety across 24 taps, the focus is on quality and a good balance of local brews, along with flavours from further afield. With a big 570ml pint in hand, sunset on the horizon and a hearty meal in front of you, what more could you want? And for any newcomers, the toilet is through the fridge!
Signature brew: Emerson’s Pilsner, Altitude’s Mischievous Kea IPA and Crimson Badger’s Ginger Bear.
Number one food and beer pairing: You can’t go past the famous Atlas Steak, topped off with a pint of Emerson’s 1812 Pale Ale.

Dunedin: Sessions
Set away from the hustle of Dunedin’s octagon, Sessions is a small family-run free-house bar that focuses on New Zealand craft breweries. With rotating taps and new fresh beers, mixed in with some of New Zealand’s core range classics, chat with the bartender about what’s new in and have a cheeky wee taste before you decide.
Signature brew: It’s too hard to pick just one!
Number one food and beer pairing: Dill pickle, green tomato chutney and cheese toastie with Sawmill Session IPA. This session IPA is crisp, clean and balanced, super-easy to drink with anything.

Originally published in the May issue of The Shout NZ. Read the full issue below.

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