Overview
Early adopters of the craft movement, Hallertau, celebrate ten years in the beer pouring business this month. In line with the landmark anniversary the West Auckland brewery and restaurant has finally cut the ribbon on their anticipated biergarten.
Designed by architect Allistar Cox, the outdoor pavilion comes beneath a beaming orange retractable canopy that will prove its worth year round and boosts the brewery's capacity to 250 guests.
The biergarten is also anchored by a new outdoor kitchen running the length of the space. It comes armed with a wood fired pizza oven and smoky chargrill that will bring to life a new menu curated by celebrity chef Michael Van de Elzen. Van de Elzen's vision will see the culinary team steer clear of typical 'pub food', instead opting for more refined items like: Matakana oysters shucked to order; wood-roasted arrow squid with blackbean vinaigrette and nimjam dressing; braised beef krokets with mustard mayo, and pulled BBQ chicken salad with charred broccoli, onion jam, hazelnuts, dates and smoked brinza.
The new decade also marks a special anniversary brew crafted by Hallertau's "Captain of Beer", Steve Plowman. Suitably named '10', the beer is a high strength top-fermenting ale that will make the average beer drinker's hairs stand on end at 10% ABV. The 500ml bottles can either be enjoyed now or in another ten years.
Hallertau Brewery and their new biergarten is open every day from 11am until 10pm. It can be found at 1171 Coatesville Riverhead Highway, Riverhead.