It all started in a Rolleston garage in 2010 with a small, self-engineered homebrew kit and an ambitious Yorkshire man.
Ten years later, resting on the banks of the Kaiapoi River, The Port & Eagle Brewpub is the home of Eagle Brewing NZ, and it’s celebrating its one-year anniversary.
“It was always an ambition since the brewery business was formed. The idea of a brewpub (bar and brewery combined) where we could showcase our beers and provide an educational experience into how beer is made,” explained Marilyn Yosores, one half of the husband and wife team behind The Port & Eagle.
The first year for the brewpub hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing, it’s taken a little time to steady the ship and get the vibe right. Yosores credits patient patrons and a great team for seeing it through, and now its time for a party.
On the 1st of March, The Port & Eagle Brewpub will celebrate its first birthday. The celebration day falls on the Kaiapoi River Festival date, adding to the fanfare and excitement. The brewpub has new beers to launch on the day along with live music and a cake made especially for the event. There will also be the chance to win a meal voucher and a ride for two on one of the E-bikes that are available to hire from the pub all year round.
The development by the Kaiapoi River has been an anchor for the regeneration of Rivertown and The Port & Eagle Brewpub hopes to become the hub of the ‘new’ Kaiapoi. Yosores noted, “We focus on supporting local producers of wine, spirits and ingredients for our beer and bar meals. Supporting local is supporting sustainability.”
She added that while the brewpub is often referred to as a restaurant, there is a distinction between the two that Yosores and the team think is important. “Being a brewpub for us is about providing award-winning beers alongside an exciting range of food. We have a beer for all tastes, all of which are world-class and yet made right here in Kaiapoi.”
The Port & Eagle offer free tasters for anyone who wishes to experiment and explore its 24 taps and 2 hand-pulls. Once it has secured itself in the industry it hopes to look at other ‘Eagle’ sites around New Zealand.
Celebrate with the brewpub's birthday on the 1st of March and watch as this establishment soars into the future.
