January 13, 2012
Cosey and relative large pub in the city centre. They have some good taps ( a few duoll ones) and a better than good bottle selection. Friendly staff, know what they are selling. Didn’t try their food. This is definately one of the should visit places in Auckland.

August 31, 2011
Decent selection. This place would only be slightly above average in a better beer location, but Auckland is apparently the craft beer desert. So this is the oasis.

August 7, 2011
Ambience here is mixed. There are a few good places to sit, but a fair amount of not-so-good places and some wasted space. There are some flat screens for sports and the big games are projected on a retracting screen. Beer knowledge among the staff is above average for NZ and in a couple of cases was excellent (to the point of knowing where else I could find rare NZ craft ales). Selection is just OK and there are some surprises in and amongst the extensive bottle selection. On the recommended list for Auckland craft brew pub-goers.

August 2, 2010 [ Updated August 4, 2010 ]
Simply no way for me to complain, sitting here by the Quay, in this old building amidst the wood panels and beneath the 18 foot ceilings, looking out at the cranes, tops lost in the fog, as they load the freighters, drinking a tall glass of Epic pale, a Rugby match on the television. New Zealand may not be beer nirvana, but I’ve found a lovely atmosphere with a beer that would do OK on the PacNW scene.

July 18, 2010
So much potential. So much disappointment. Amazing building and a pretty good refit. But the tap selection is yawn except for the well hidden two craft beer taps (which themselves incredibly incite yawns as they rarely change). From time to time the fridge can incite a little bit of excitement, though too often it does not. What could have been...

November 15, 2009
I was excited to hear this place was opening as Auckland’s CBD has a dearth of pubs with good beer. I was quite disappointed to venture in and see the same old Lion Nathan beers on tap that are available at just about every other bar in the city. The only concession to craft beer was Epic Pale Ale - which at least is good. The bottled range is worth a visit though, albeit pricey. Food is good and decent value for money. Nice location in the old Britomart port precinct and a great renovation job on an old building makes for a very pleasant pub.

October 14, 2009
I can’t believe this place wasn’t listed here already. This outstanding bar is on Quay Street near Vector Arena on the harbor in downtown Auckland. In an old brick building, the inside has been updated but has a lot of old wood paneling to divide it up and make for a cool, cozy atmosphere. There are 15 taps and 121 bottles by my count as of October 2009, but some of the taps were doubles when I visited (perhaps "up to 15" is more accurate). The bottles are listed by type on the beer menu and come from all over the world, but the strength lies in the New Zealand beers available. There are also some solid Belgians, though most other international beers are cheaper macro lagers. The taps were primarily New Zealand beers, with a good range represented. I tried the Renaissance Elemental Porter (bottle), Emerson’s Pilsner (bottle), and Epic Pale Ale on tap. All were outstanding. The food looked great, but we were between meals and didn’t eat. Prices are just a wee bit high but not too bad. The best bar I visited in Auckland.