The Best Beer Spots In Christchurch

Taste the best beer that Christchurch has to offer at Canterbury Brewers Collective, located at Riverside Market. This craft beer bar and fillery specialises in locally owned and locally made Christchurch beers and ciders. If you’re new to the term ‘fillery’ it means you can fill a bottle with your favourite tap beer and take it home to enjoy. Experiment with over 23 rotating tap beers and 10 impressive bottles. If you like a tart and fruity sour beer, try Baroness Brewing Company’s shake it up, brewed with cucumber, lime and Vietnamese mint for a fresh finish. A few other familiar names on tap are Two Thumbs, Brew Moon, Eruption and Ghost.

Kick back in Christchurch’s best-kept secret, Two Thumb Brewing Co, aka The Yard. Pop in for a quick after-work beer, get the crew together on the weekend or celebrate a special occasion in this rustic-chic city bar. The Yard serves Two Thumb brewed beer, both core and seasonal drafts, alongside other locally made beers. Amongst the core tap beers is an oatmeal stout, a red rye IPA and a fruity Kölsch. The Yard also has an insane range of gins for those in need of a botanical hit. Take a tour of the food vendors parked up in The Yard and dine upon authentic Indian cuisine, burgers and keto and paleo inspired dishes.

Take a pew on the sunny terrace overlooking the Avon River; The Craft Embassy has the best views in town. Specialising in independent New Zealand craft beer, and with 30 taps constantly rotating, you’re sure to find your new favourite drop. Stick with a classic McLeod’s Brewery Longboarder; this is an American-style lager with hints of lemon and lime. Or, try a fruity option with Double Vision Brewing’s reverse cowgirl, a passionfruit and guava sour. The Craft Embassy has tasting trays available, offering a sample of four beers of your choice – this is a great way to experience a variety of beers without committing to a full-size pint.

Pomeroy’s Old Brewery Inn has been an avid supporter of all things craft beer for many years, showcasing over 31 beers on tap. Pomeroy’s is an iconic watering hole for Christchurch locals, pub enthusiasts and beer lovers. Tuck into a juicy steak with truffle parmesan fries, paired with North End Brewing’s iron sands (cask) oatmeal stout. Or if you prefer your beer lighter, then go for Pomeroy’s overdraught amber lager or Liberty Brewing’s halo pilsner. If you’re feeling like a fish out of water with endless options, ask the knowledgeable bartenders for recommendations to suit your palette.

Welcome to the best bar and burger joint in all of Christchurch, Smash Palace; this is our go-to summer spot. The outdoor picnic benches set the stage for memorable afternoons out with good company. Dig into a classic cheeseburger, breakkie burger or Noah’s arc burger; made with beef, chicken and bacon – wash it down with a nice cold beer. Smash Palace is a good option for those of you that want to dip your toe into the craft beer world without being swallowed whole. Try the speciality house-made boodgie beer or order from the taps – these change faster than the seasons but expect some locally brewed numbers.