The best pub in Auckland

I didn't visit Galbraiths all that much during my first few months in Auckland (more fool me) but over the last few weeks I've been there quite a few times for one reason or another. On Thursday evening I met up with fellow beer-blogger Kieran who was visiting from Wellington and on Saturday I was there agin (this time with the missus and son in tow) to meet up with Kieran and SOBA secretary Greig (plus assorted other folks). A couple of very pleasant sessions!

Galbraiths is a truly wonderful place. A superb building with tons of beer-and-brewing memorabilia adorning the walls. Excellent food - mainly good solid pub food but well put together, and the best pork pie I've had outside England! An excellent friendly atmosphere with a really mixed clientele. Oh, and lashings of excellent cask-conditioned, brewed-on-the-premises beer. Not to mention the varied guest beers and the well-stocked bottle fridge. The only thing wrong with it is that it isn't next door to my house. Then again, that could be a good thing for my waistline and bank balance!

In the interests of fair and balanced reporting, however, I will note one minor complaint. The draught beers at Galbraiths are, as previously mentioned, hand-pulled cask-conditioned real ales. As such I would expect them to be less carbonated than keg beers (which is a good thing). However, the last couple of times I've been in there I've noticed the level of condition (i.e. carbonation) has been a bit lower than I would like. This makes the beers very easy to drink but less exciting on the palate. A minor issue, but I hope they sort it out.

I will still be back there at every possible opportunity!