Cnr Rosedale Road and William Pickering Drive,
Albany
Auckland,
0632

(09) 414 5450

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3 out of 5

Relatively new (what isn’t in Albany?), New Brew Tavern’s large open bar attracted all walks of life on the Friday night we visited.

A schist fireplace dominated the space, but unfortunately, it just wasn’t belting out any heat—in part, due to the high ceilings and often-opened door—on this cold spring night.

Not a great selection on offer drink-wise, there was the usual selection of beers and a varied wine list, with most offered by both the glass and the bottle.

Ordering drinks (Carona, $6.50) from our pleasant yet obviously-preoccupied barwoman, we opted for a table as close to the fireplace as possible.

I don’t think I’ve seen such a wide variety of people in an Auckland bar. The youngsters were there glamming it up; while, at the other end of the age spectrum, the older crowd lounged in New Brew Tavern’s comfy, yet not very stylish, cane furniture. I had to have a double take when I spied a pair of stubbies … just not necessary in this day and age!

Although not dining, the meals did look good and were generously portioned—a constant stream of tapas, platters coming out of the kitchen throughout the night.

With a Bananarama tune blearing across the speakers, for the sake of the customers, I’m glad this bar regularly plays host to live bands. There’s also the quiz night which the barman assured me made for a good night out.

While New Brew Tavern seems to suffer from a lack of a niche market (‘trendy’, stubbies and Bananarama will never go together), it does offer a fairly relaxed, entertainment alternative in the area.