16 Tun

Overview

16 Tun is a beer lover's haven. Located on Jellicoe Street in the Wynyard Quarter, the bar is a loud and proud bastion of the craft beer revolution. They even label themselves as a 'free house', which sees them only host creations from independent brewers across the country. Hop enthusiasts should look no further.

The bar currently hosts ten rotating options on tap from $6 for 285ml and $9 for 425ml. There's a good spread for every palette including lager to golden ale, porter, pale ale, pilsner, and one cider for luck. The list of bottled varieties is extensive and seemingly endless - bar manager Andrew Ranum worked his way through 120+ brews to cull it down to 52. Bottles make up much of tall transparent fridges behind the bar and represent local breweries: Hallertau, Invercargill Brewery, 8 Wired, Parrotdog, Liberty, Renaissance, Schipper's and a whole lot more. If you're struggling to make up your mind, the dapper staff will be happy to do so for you - if you at least give them some idea of your preference. If you'd like to try the whole bar in one go, samplers can be bought as 200mls servings in four to eight varieties ($12 - 18). The samplers even come with a handbook to take notes in as you drink.

Continuing the theme of dashing beverages, the bar stocks an impressive stash of single malts behind the bar and the wine list is beautifully local. Sugary spirit lovers unfortunately miss out in this instance. The food is staunchly gastropub and divided into sections: half tun - starters, and full tun - mains. You'll find fish and chips, ribs, Ruakaka paua fritters, steak and egg and sliders in three varieties (fish, smoky pork and pulled beef). You shouldn't look beyond the beetroot pickled eggs found within the house platter.

The decor, the brainchild of brand agency String Theory, is turned out well, although it may be a forestry protesters nightmare - with almost everything made from timber: the wooden beer carriers, solid (recycled) tables, large benches, flooring, ceiling and walls. The only differing materials come in the form of exposed, industrial lighting fixtures, a boisterous pressed steel door and a striking copper wall at the rear. In the summer months the bi-fold doors will create the perfect indoor/outdoor flow to enjoy your favourite brew and a few more in the sun.