61 Albert Street,
Auckland Central
Auckland,
(09) 373 5396
The ViewAuckland Review
3 out of 5 stars
Back in the days before over-designed brewbars and over-priced cocktail joints, central Auckland was dotted with stately corner pubs. Now just a couple remain, and by maintaining its reputation as Auckland’s first micro-brewery, (established 1986), the Shakespeare is usually busier than the Albion a couple of blocks away.
Put the Shakspeare’s bustle also down to its proximity to the hard-drinking and hard-gossiping journos from across the road at the Herald. In this new-media age, more than a few have probably been outsourced, but a few scribes always seem to be at the Shakespeare. Deadlines are usually deferred with one of the pub’s specialty beers, all brewed onsite.
Early evening on a busy Friday night, it’s the Shakespeare’s other usual clientele that is more prevalent. The legal fraternity may know how to get off parking tickets, but this lot obviously knows nothing about beer. There’s more pinstripe suits than a Winston Peters look-a-like contest, and to a man they’re all drinking bottles of Corona. Sitting in the corner my companion and I are drinking the hoppy Summers Day Bohemian lager and the excellent Willpower Stout. There are another eight well-crafted brews to try, but Auckland’s legal eagles seem more interested in mediocre Mexican beer decorated with a hunk of fruit. What part of microbrewery don’t they understand? In this was a court I’d definitely be shouting “Objection!”
It’s actually their loss because the Shakespeare’s beers are damn good. We make a mental note to return for a $25 tasting tray, or the challenging (or downright crazy) option of ‘Eight of the Best’ – eight different pints for sixty bucks. Probably something best enjoyed in a small, thirsty group. Like a shark school of hardworking lawyers…
The Shakespeare’s never going to be hip - not with Wham! or Soft Cell on the stereo anyway - but the combination of good beers (not Corona) in the cosy downstairs bar, and good value pub meals on the upstairs alfresco terrace, make it a handy old school inner city watering hole.
And if you do try the ‘Eight of the Best’ on your own, relax and retire to the Shakespeare’s rooms in their new boutique hotel upstairs.
Shakespeare Hotel & Brewery has been reviewed by 3 users