Bootleg Brewery

A good ol’ bit of Kiwi ingenuity and a whole lot of hard work has created a watering hole in Matangi, made for locals, by locals. A couple of Hamilton mates came together with a love of home brewing and a bloody good tipple.

This rustic, industrial taproom and brewery is a diamond in the rough amongst huge factory buildings and leftover relics from the days of the NZ Dairy Co-Op, a site where two of New Zealand’s biggest companies got their start. Although it does require a wee bit of searching for, once you arrive you’ll find yourself in an enchanting space lit with fairy lights, a '59 Oldsmobile bumper kit out with 16 taps (and counting), red bar stools, and comfortably worn-in leather couches to lounge about with good company.

Winning NZ Champion Strong Ale 2017 and beating out some of the big guns in the craft scene has allowed the team to expand their offering and put themselves on the map. While they’re known for pouring a variety of bespoke craft beers, they also have an expanding collection of local gins, spirits and quality wines.

A curated menu features favourites like kiwi onion dip (a banger, by the way), hot dogs, platters, and toasties that make you feel like you’re kicking back at your mates. Don’t forget your vessel so you can bring the good times home with you, as they have both on and off-licenses.