Bar
Caretaker
Intimate basement cocktail bar off Roukai Lane in Britomart, inspired by the golden age of bartending and open until 3am every night.
Galbraith’s Alehouse
Brewpub in the old Grafton library building at the top of Mount Eden Road, brewing English-style cask ales on site since 1995 and serving hearty pub food.
At a glance
- Type
- Brewpub and real ale house
- Area
- Grafton, Auckland, New Zealand
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Official site
- alehouse.co.nz
Good to know
- On-site brewery
- Cask ales
- Beer garden
- Open fires
- Sunday roast
Why we recommend it
Galbraith's Alehouse has been brewing and pouring beer at the top of Mount Eden Road since 1995, and it remains one of Auckland's best-loved pubs. It occupies the former Grafton library building, whose lofty ceilings give the bar an airy, relaxed feel, and it adds a beer garden and open fires for different seasons. It has been named one of Metro's top ten Auckland bars.
The founder, Keith Galbraith, was born in Hamilton and worked in the wine trade before turning to brewing. He opened the Alehouse to bring traditional real ale styles to New Zealand, and his beers have won international recognition, including two gold medals and the world champion trophy in the strong dark beer class at the 2017 International Brewing Awards in Burton-on-Trent.
The real ales are the heart of the bar. They are cask-conditioned and served at around 10 degrees, unfiltered and unpasteurised, in the English tradition. The range includes Mr G's Luncheon Ale, a light session ale, Bellringer's Best Bitter, a recipe Keith first brewed in 1987 at Larkins Brewery in Kent, Eden Ale, a ruby ale, and Man of Kent, an English IPA. For those who prefer cold beer, there are lagers in Czech and German styles and a hazy pale ale, all served chilled. The beer list is one of the most extensive in the country.
Food is hand-made pub fare built on local produce, delivered fresh daily, with some ingredients grown in the on-site gardens. The Sunday Roast is a highlight: prime steer beef from Hillside Farm is slow-roasted for 24 hours and served with roast potatoes, vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and gravy. Mention the roast when you book.
The Alehouse opens every day from midday. Lunch is served from 12pm to 2.30pm and dinner from 5.30pm to 8pm, with a bar menu at other times. There is no public holiday surcharge. Bookings are recommended and can be made online; groups of more than ten should email [email protected].
Galbraith's suits beer enthusiasts, groups of friends and anyone after a proper pub meal. It stands at the top of Mount Eden Road in Grafton, and its kitchen hours mean it works equally well for a long lunch or an early dinner before a night out.
Galbraith’s Alehouse FAQs
How long has Galbraith's been brewing?
It has brewed beer on site and served it since 1995.
What kind of beer does Galbraith's serve?
Cask-conditioned English-style real ales served at about 10 degrees, plus chilled lagers and a hazy pale ale.
When is it open?
Every day from 12pm. Lunch is 12pm to 2.30pm and dinner 5.30pm to 8pm, with a bar menu at other times.
Does Galbraith's serve a Sunday roast?
Yes, beef slow-roasted for 24 hours with Yorkshire pudding; mention it when booking.
Has Galbraith's won awards?
Its beers won two gold medals and a world champion trophy at the 2017 International Brewing Awards.
Is there outdoor seating?
Yes, a beer garden, and open fires inside in winter.
Can large groups book?
Groups of more than ten should email [email protected].
Where is it?
At 2 Mount Eden Road, Grafton, in the former Grafton library building.