This New Ponsonby Opening Specialises in Craft Beer and Loaded Hot Dogs

With a freehouse landing in July and now a new micro-brewery joining the fold, Ponsonby is transforming into something of a craft beer hotspot. Found in the former home of Gypsy Caravan tucked away in the Lot 3 precinct, Brewport serves up an artillery of beers both brewed in-house and from across the country.

The bar was launched by Brothers Beer co-founder Andrew Larsen alongside two former Air New Zealand crew, pilot Greg Dragicevich and flight attendant Kim Martinez, who were both grounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. The air travel theme is carried through the space via an airport rope barrier and aeroplane wallpaper.

In the sheltered courtyard lives the shiny Flying Dogs caravan which hawks a menu of gourmet hot dogs and drinking snacks. Flying Dogs builds on the traditional sausage and bun pairing by topping kranskys and frankfurters with everything from Japanese mayonnaise to jalapeños and corn chips, chilli con carne and crunchy potato sticks. The vegan option can be loaded with your choice of toppings and all of the dogs can be served bunless.

 

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Fries can be loaded with the likes of chilli cheese and jalapeños with sour cream, while further drinking snacks range from pretzels to tater tots and broccoli cheese bites. The sole dessert option is a burger built on brioche and stuffed with ice cream, crushed Oreos and chocolate sauce.

Larsen and Dragicevich were responsible for the drinks list and have curated an extensive selection of tap beers, wines, spirits and cocktails. The signature Brewport beers — soon to be brewed onsite — include the common pale ale, pilsner, wheat beer and stout assortment, while guest beers range from Garage Project's 'Hapi Daze' to Piha Beer's 'Thruster XPA'. A four-pour tasting flight will suit the indecisive, while a crisp, dry cider from Auckland's Morningcider completes the on tap lineup.

Find Brewport at Lot 3, 130 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby. It's open Tuesday to Thursday from 5–11pm and Friday to Sunday from 12–11pm. For more information, visit brewport.co.nz.