Wellington Local Brews | Bolton Hotel

Our cool little capital is often hailed as the craft beer capital, and for good reason. The city's countless independent micro-breweries, taprooms, brewpubs and everything in between attract beer aficionados from across the globe.
Not only does Bolton's in-house restaurant Artisan pour a range of local craft beers, but our team have shared some of their top recommendations for where to enjoy a local brew or two...

Golding's

This kitsch 'dive bar' is hidden away in Hannah's Laneway. As a free house, this bar showcases an ever-changing roster of local brews.

"NO TRIP TO GOLDING'S IS COMPLETE WITHOUT ORDERING A PIZZA FROM THE BAR. THEY'LL PICK IT UP FROM PIZZA POMODORO FROM ACROSS THE LANE AND BRING IT TO YOUR TABLE." HANNAH CHINNERY | HOTEL MANAGER

HEYDAY

At the top of the cosmopolitan Cuba Street sits Heyday. Take a seat within this working brewery or in the Summer months outside in their inner-city beer garden.

Heyday is also home to Southward Distilling Co. This boutique distillery headed up by Frankie McPhail, produces a range of spirits, including those in our curated minibar and you can see their still in action on one of their tours or tastings.

FORK & BREWER

One of the oldest inner-city breweries, Fork and Brewer on Bond Street has boasted a huge selection of over 40 beers since 2012.

"MY FAVOURITE CRAFT BEER BAR IS FORK & BREWER, THEY'VE A BEER SELECTION AS BIG AS WELLINGTON, A GREAT BALCONY TO ENJOY THE SUN AND GOOD MUSIC TOO!" SOPHIE TROTEREAU | RESTAURANT MANAGER

PARROTDOG

This relaxed brew bar is tucked a street away from Lyall Bay beach. With 17 revolving taps, retro decor and a clientele of surfers, families and four-legged friends, it's no wonder this is a popular spot.

"FOR BEERS, YOU CAN'T BEAT PARROTDOG AFTER A BEACH WALK IN LYALL BAY OR PANHEAD ON TORY STREET, IT'S GREAT IN THE SUN OR BY THE FIRE ON A DULL DAY." TRISH BROWN | FINANCE MANAGER

GARAGE PROJECT TAP ROOM

This cosy taproom offers possibly the freshest craft beer from the quirky Wellington brand you could find! The brewery is just across the street in what was once an abandoned petrol station - hence the name 'Garage Project'.

"GARAGE PROJECT TAPROOM IN ARO VALLEY IS GREAT, THEY ALSO SERVE EPIC TOASTIES! MY FAVOURITE IS THE KIMCHI & CHEESE TOASTIE." PAUL JOHNSON | MARKETING MANAGER

Mean Doses

After humble beginnings with a basement set-up, brewer Dean Moses has taken this brand from strength to strength. Their new CBD location on Tory Street offers pinball, pool, shuffleboard and arcade games to accompany their award-winning brews.

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