Fancy a beer?

Selwyn is one of the fastest growing districts in the country, and the restaurant and bar scene is changing rapidly. Along with the friendly country pub feel, quality craft beer and cider and top-notch food can now be found at many of the local bars.

These are the top places to quench your thirst with a cold craft beer this summer.

Crate and Barrel, Leeston

A family-owned business in Leeston, Crate and Barrel is a restaurant and bar with an English pub feel. They love trying out different craft beers, and currently offer Black Dog Chomp, Pilsner, American Pale Ale and imported Murphy’s Irish Stout. 

The kitchen has an extensive menu including wood-fired pizza, barbeque ribs and a 400g dry aged flintstone steak. With a huge outside deck area and sun umbrellas for shade, it’s the perfect spot to sip a cold one on a hot afternoon.

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Porters Alpine Resort

Get off the beaten track for a beer in the fresh mountain air. Porters Lodge is a fully-licensed restaurant and is proud to exclusively stock Cassels Brewing Co beer and cider.

In 2020, taps were installed and the Cassels draught beer has proved hugely popular. The offerings on tap are the Nectaron IPA, Apollo Cider, Woolston Pale Ale and Lager. You can also get a variety of Cassels bottled beer including their award-winning Milk Stout. Pair your beer with one of their gourmet burgers for a real treat!

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Silver Dollar Restaurant

With tables downstairs and upstairs, as well as a sheltered outside area, Silver Dollar is a large restaurant with a great atmosphere. A range of beers are available, including Heineken, Monteiths and a monthly craft beer on tap. If you’re not in the mood for beer, Rekorderlig ciders are also on offer.

For a bite to eat, the menu offers a variety of dishes from burgers, pizza and pasta to pulled pork or a ribeye steak. 

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The Laboratory, Lincoln

Selwyn’s own brewery, The Laboratory, is our top recommendation of where to get a craft beer in the region. The brick, barn-style building incorporates recycled materials for a fun, casual feel. If you’re hungry, try the woodfired pizza or tapas and dine outside or in the covered courtyard.

Lovers of quality beers face a huge choice of craft brews on tap, from local breweries such as The Twisted Hop, as well as a changing selection of beers from The Lab’s own brewery. A range of bottled beers and ciders are available too. Beer aficionados can book a tour of the brewery to see what happens behind the scenes.

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Where's your favourite watering-hole? If we've missed your favourite place to enjoy a craft beer and a bite to eat in Selwyn, let us know. Tag us in your posts on Facebook and Instagram, so we can add your favourite craft beer bar to the list.