Brew on Quay

[Tony]

I went to the opening last night.

It is situated in the old Wharf Police building, which is a wonderful, old brick building. They have done a really good fitout. It has several small rooms/cubicles, for groups to sit and chat, while enjoying a good beer. Upstairs, is an indoor/outdoor area for smokers, which also has a bar.

The beer- it has the usual slop on tap:Lion product, I didn't notice anything of interest on draught (it was quite busy). But they have 2 large fridges, stacked. In these, they have numerous, quality beers, from NZ and overseas. The Emerson's range, Harrintons', Dux, Epic, Croucher, and many more.

On this, they need to be commended, it really is a good range and I took the time to speak to numerous people about what they thought. The consensus, was pretty clear that the decor and choice of beers was excellent. I noticed several people, drinking Emerson's and other craft brews. The biggest downside was, the bar staff, were not offering a glass with any of the bottled beers. A group, I spoke to were drinking Bookbinder, out of the bottle. Although they really appreciated having the chance to buy an Emerson's, and obviously knew the beer, they didn't seem to find it odd, not to drink it from a glass. I had a couple of Croucher Pale ales, which was tasting fantastic. I suggested to the rather inexperienced Barperson, that served me, that she offer a glass with all the bottled beers, she served from the fridge. I think this is a lack of education, about the difference between serving a quality beer and serving a Heineken! They don't seem to discern a difference?!

Still, I thought it was a vast improvement on Auckland bars in general. I don't think it is another Malt. It doesn't quite have the same atmosphere and feeling that here is a bar, where the staff know their beer and serve it accordingly. But I think any one of us, would be happy to go in there and enjoy a great selection of quality craft beers and be happy to part with our money to drink it there.

[beerdrinker]

After a quick review of the extensive beer list on their website it is obvious that they are charging over the top for their non-tap beer. I have compared the prices to Suite bar which also has an extensive beer list they sell Emersons for $12 v 15, Little Creaturs 8 v 12, in fact no one sells Little creatures for more than 10, even the Westin only sells it for 10 and Its a 5 star hotel bar and founders tall blonde 12 v 17.

At least the food is slightly cheaper than the Northern Steamship

Now thats my 2c worth

[Brew on Quay]

Hi Everyone,
Thank you so much for your feedback on the above post. We really appreciate having feedback from people who are 'in the know' in the beer world, such as yourselves. We would also like to thank those of you who have come down to check out our new bar during our first week to try out our extensive beer list. Your support is much appreciated.
We have also taken onboard your feedback and have made some changes. We have addressed the pricing issues on our craft and boutique beers. As you have discussed we were working to a formula to come to the prices of these beers. We have adjusted this formula and lowered the prices on all our craft beers to ensure that we are competitive within the marketplace. You will be able to see this on our website also.
We expected to have some teething problems in our first week of opening, we really appreciate your feedback to make us aware of any issues that needed to be addressed.
Also as a side note, to the blogger who was questioning the fit out of the bar and made a point about the front of the bar being an older wooden style and the upstairs a more modern feel; this is due to the site being a historical building. There were certain walls and rooms that were not alot to be altered in the re fit. Due to adding the upstairs area from scratch there was always going to be a difference in the decor. We feel this adds to the charm and character of the place and hope that once you realise it is a historical site you will see where we were coming from with the fit out.
Once again we really appreciate your feedback. We hope that you will all be back in for another beer or 2 and we look forward to seeing you then.
Cheers,
The Brew Boys.

[Bambule]

That's great, a bit of humility goes a long way with me. Well done.

[Sam Possenniskie (TGM)]

You can't ask for more than this.
Well done, I'll definitely be a regular.
Sam

[colin m]

Fantastic! Looking forward to finding an excuse to get to AKL again soon.

I love the refit guys- I think you have done a great job blending the traditional aspects with the modern -and in my humble opinion you cant go wrong with tartan walls.

C

[Tony]

Yes it's good to see someone listening to the punters for a change. Honestly, I didn't take any notice of the prices, when I was there. But on review, I doubt I would have been a regular. But if this is the attitude that prevails, then they deserve our custom. Cheers

[Barry]

I had a great night at the recent BrewNZ launch, I'm super impressed that you've listened to punters and addressed the pricing. In my opinion the fitout is excellent.

Bravo.

[Reviled]

Just read through this thread - so uh, what happened with the pricing? Last I heard prices have gone up - $20 for an Epic Stout?!?!?!