b.social

Brewer James Hay got his start at Christchurch’s legendary Hop Baron and pairs his expertise with an easygoing approach to craft beer. With that, he’s created Wānaka's b.social taproom and eatery, a spot for eating and drinking that is worthy of a visit (or many) whether you’re just in town for the weekend or call this beautiful region home year-round. 

b.social and the brewery component, b.effect, are housed under one roof just outside of Wānaka’s bustling centre. Kept separate with a bit of clever soundproofing, the two entities exist in perfect harmony. Curious beer drinkers can peek through the glass door or wander to the other side to get a look at the process. Meanwhile, the b.social bar never gets too noisy and maintains a welcoming pub-like feel with food and drink menus to match.

The taps at b.social are always on point. b.effect beers are constantly pouring alongside other top crafties from the region and beyond. Be sure to try b.effect’s Pop’n Pils Pilsner and the sessionable Rebel For Kicks Hazy IPA — with notes of pineapple, the latter is their top-selling beer. Social Experiment West Coast IPA is very clean and has ever-changing hops, so look out for which batch you're drinking. b.effect has become well-known for its Daywalker Ginger Beer (4.2%), a great drop on its own but also delicious in a dark and stormy.  There’s always at least one cider and one kombucha on tap, and tasting trays are also available. If you find a drop you love, you can take away b.effect in bottles or bring a growler for filling.

Just like the taps, b.social’s food menu provides a little something different which will please everyone. It features a spectrum of nibbles and larger dishes that range from classic beer-friendly fare to adventurous flavour combos. The house-made 100% beef burger comes heaped with bacon and onion jam, cheese and pickles, all loaded into a lightly toasted bun. It’s simple and delish, just like the poutine. The kimchi loaded fries come with chilli mayo, shallots and spring onion, and you’d be remiss not to try the (blue) cheese burger. 

And the name? “Small shifts in your thinking can lead to massive alterations of your end result.” This quote from Edward Lorenz’s Butterfly Effect says it all. Little details at b.social turn the traditional brewery-bar model into something that is totally approachable, delicious and downright fun. So rock up, grab a table inside or out, bring the kids, even your dog and have a pint already.