Vibe

Finally a bar in central Auckland is acknowledging the emergence of New Zealand’s exciting craft beer scene. O’Carroll’s Freehouse retains its faux Irishness with a grab-bag of goodies sourced from a Galway garage sale, but adds a few Kiwi on tap touches with selected Kiwi microbrews joining the ubiquitous Guinness.


Service

Friendly and laidback courtesy of the obligatory Irish backpacker behind the bar.


What’s On Tap

Excellent Pilsners from Leigh Sawmill in Matakana and Mike’s Brewing and Epic Pale Ale join Waikato Draught and Lion Red. By the bottle, there’s brews from Tuatara, Yeastie Boys, Crouchers, Renaissance and Three Boys. Harrington’s alcoholic ginger beer is a zingy alternative for cider buffs.


Feeling Peckish?

Tea smoked salmon, pohutukawa smoked duck and manuka smoked lamb will all be tasty combos of New Zealand flora and fauna for overseas visitors during Rugby World Cup. Prawns and chorizo platters further expand the usual pub food offering beyond wedges, fries and nachos.


The Bottom Line

O’Carroll’s Kiwi craft beer reinvention makes it an essential inner city venue for Rugby World Cup 2011.


A Reason To Return

The ever-changing array of “guest beers” showcasing different Kiwi microbreweries.

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