Tuesday 19 July 2016

Welcome to Newbridge Brú House

3 years I've been living in Newbridge and to say the craft beer scene is poor is about right! One or two pubs (Coffey's, Flanagan's) make an effort with some bottles and Judge Roy Beans has its own house beer on tap (made in Clane). JRB's is more of a TGI Fridays place though and I could never see myself going in for few pints. 
Anyway finally Newbridge has caught up with its neighbours - Naas (Hayden's), Sallins (Lock 13), Kildare (Harte's) all offering good range of beers! I won't lie, before now I hadn't been a huge fan of Brú Brewery's beers but they have pulled out all the stops in the first bar! 



 


Massive range of beers including 8 rotational taps which I was told will change on a monthly basis. All the Brú range are available also at the very reasonable price of 4.20 a pint. Other pints range from 5.50 to 5.90. The Brú IPA and once-off BOB were fantastic on draught. A large range of bottled beer and wine/spirits also available. 


We arrived there late enough, missing food service. However I was told by one of the very knowledgeable and friendly staff that food will be served daily 12-9 (hoping to extend until 10 on weekends). Can't wait to get back to try the donuts that were recommended! 



 


 
 

 The place has been given a lovely makeover for anyone who had previously been in Rose Earleys/Dunnes bar. Not much of a layout change on the Dunnes side and I was glad to see they have kept the snug area. Outside there is a large open smoking area too. I have yet to have a look upstairs but have been told it will be a late night cocktail bar opening on weekends. Of course all the Brú beers will be available upstairs too! 



I have to say if the staff remain as welcoming and passionate about the beer and pub then this place will be packed out every week! For a hushed Monday night opening, there was a decent crowd and a nice mix of ages too! This could be just the place Newbridge needs to kick start it's nightlife (several places closed in recent years). I for one will be back again and again.... At the very least for Greg's great hair! 😉 cheers - The Beer Hopster 
 

 

 

Sunday 10 July 2016

A night at the Guinness Open Gate

Had a fantastic nights in the Guinness Open Gate Brewery Friday night! Myself and another beer fan (@vinylhops on Twitter) were treated to a wonderfully informative run through of all the specials that were available. 



 
Personal highlights were Tropical IPA, botanical ale and the Antwerpen export! If I had to choose a favourite it would prob be the latter. Big malty number with lots of chocolate aroma and flavour as well as coffee bitterness! I really enjoyed the Brewers project and look forward to more releases soon but I feel so far the best is kept inside the open gate. There are plans to release a lot more of these soon in pubs across Dublin and Belfast! I really hope they choose to bottle some of better ones also. If you're a beer fan, it's a great way to spend a Thursday or Friday evening. Plans are being made to extend these opening hours into the weeknd and also to create a nice beer garden in the opening courtyard as you walk in.


 

 It's a great set up and sitting in the middle of a working brewery tasting some fine beer (with delicious snacks to accompany) makes the evening even more special. I told Domhnall (our friendly guide) I would be back with my father soon! Then my wife! It really is something everyone can enjoy, not just Guinness drinkers. Well done guys I was very impressed.