Bars in New Zealand

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#1454118 21-Dec-2015 07:57

I don't think that "weights and measures" applies in NZ.

Unlike the many parts of the world people don't stand and drink at the bar.

Many bars have adopted the unfortunate European habit of pouring a full glass of lager then pouring a third of it down the drain.

andrew027

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#1454120 21-Dec-2015 08:01

Smithy100: Don't overthink it... most bar staff here are more than accommodating. If you tell them what you want using simple language (ie: I'd like a small glass of Heineken/bottle of Miller/big glass/jug etc) then they'll steer you in the right direction... also, don't be afraid/embarrassed to ask for their advice - they'll be happy to help (esp as it'll give them a chance to show off their knowledge a bit lol).

Yep - agree with this. I don't usually sit in bars for long periods of time and am not a big drinker anyway, so would rarely order a jug. I'll ask for a pint if there's something on tap I like, or point to the fridge behind the bar and ask for a bottle if there's something in there that interests me.

There are so many smaller breweries and craft beers available in new Zealand now that I often walk into a bar and have never drunk any of the beers they have on tap, or many of the ones they have in bottles, so will end up describing what I like (light, dark, lager, yeasty, whatever) and letting them recommend something. It gives me the opportunity to try something different; some of them will be great and some of them not so great, but I'll make a mental note if I like something, and at the end of the day... beer!

freitasm

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#1454164 21-Dec-2015 08:55

This is another interesting point. Some bars will always have someone able to guide you in the right direction when it comes to taste - think Hashigo Zake, Little Beer Quarter, Fork & Brewer, Goldings Free Dive or The Malt House. All Wellington, sorry.

floydbloke

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#1454166 21-Dec-2015 08:56

Also, don't be afraid to ask for a sample if you want to try before you buy. Given that it's getting close to paying $10 for a 'pint' (which is actually 440ml) you want to make sure you're drinking something you like.

Did Eric Clapton really think she looked wonderful...or was it after the 15th outfit she tried on and he just wanted to get to the party and get a drink?

trig42

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#1454169 21-Dec-2015 08:58

Jugs - pretty much only in suburban 'pubs' and clubs (RSAs, Bowling Clubs, Golf Clubs) nowadays. They almost disappeared (promoted heavy drinking I think and were frowned upon) but you can get them at a few places now.
A Pub jug is usually a One litre plastic jug with which you will get smaller glasses to pour the beer into. It will generally be cheaper tap beers (not many places you will get a jug of Heineken or Stella, but you will get a jug of Lion Red or Tui.
Some of the downtown bars will sell you a jug also, but this will usually be a bigger glass jug - a couple of litres (and usually around $25-$30) with slightly bigger glasses to go with it. It will be a better beer too (think Tiger, Crafty Beggars etc).
If you ask for a Pint of beer, you will get it in the bar's biggest glass (some are real pints, some are smaller) and you will get it from the tap. Same if you ask for a glass - it will be from the tap. If you ask for a beer that you can see in the fridge, or isn't on tap, you will get in in the bottle, with no glass (unless you ask for one).
In a pub/sports club/RSA, you will also get a Big Bottle (Big Bot/Quart) - a ~750ml larger bottle of cheaper beer. Can be drunk straight from the bottle or poured into glasses.

While in NZ, try the craft beers - we do some pretty good IPAs and Hoppy Pilsners - great for Summer!

scottjpalmer

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#1454212 21-Dec-2015 09:25

If craft beer is your thing, try 16 Tun, Brothers Beer, Brew on Quay which are all in the CBD.

allio

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#1454249 21-Dec-2015 09:57

If in doubt you can always just ask for "a [name of beer on tap]", and you'll be given one in the bar's standard glass (generally a pint).

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Geektastic

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#1454690 21-Dec-2015 17:43

Be aware that, unlike the UK, there are no legal fixed measures for alcohol do a point could be anything and probably won't be the amount in question.

richms

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#1454705 21-Dec-2015 18:09

Geektastic: Be aware that, unlike the UK, there are no legal fixed measures for alcohol do a point could be anything and probably won't be the amount in question.

They have to tell you the capacity if you ask. Nicknames for glass sizes based off obsolete measurements don't have any legal standing more so than a "large" at McDonalds does

Richard rich.ms

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#1454849 21-Dec-2015 22:42

richms:
Geektastic: Be aware that, unlike the UK, there are no legal fixed measures for alcohol do a point could be anything and probably won't be the amount in question.

They have to tell you the capacity if you ask. Nicknames for glass sizes based off obsolete measurements don't have any legal standing more so than a "large" at McDonalds does

Here that is true. In the UK (and much of Europe) the glasses are exactly what they say they are, so a pint has to be a pint. Or 0.57 litres if you prefer I suppose.

Personally I think we should have official measures here: petrol does, for example, so why should beer, wine etc not?

richms

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#1454879 21-Dec-2015 23:08

Geektastic:
Here that is true. In the UK (and much of Europe) the glasses are exactly what they say they are, so a pint has to be a pint. Or 0.57 litres if you prefer I suppose.

Personally I think we should have official measures here: petrol does, for example, so why should beer, wine etc not?

They do, it is measured in milliliters.

Don't hear of people complaining to maccas that their large is smaller than BK or the other way around, don't see why it should be the case with pubs glasses.

Richard rich.ms

freitasm

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#1454886 21-Dec-2015 23:25

To our visitor, "Maccas" is slang for McDonald's.

gzt

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#1454905 22-Dec-2015 00:16

freitasm: To our visitor, "Maccas" is slang for McDonald's.

Yep. Actually trademarked in NZ, and probably 181 other countries by now as well.

BTR

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#1454978 22-Dec-2015 09:06

I would simply say your new to NZ and what beer would you recommend, most bar staff are very helpful and will give you some suggestions.

Not knowing what to order or what size glass isn't going to get you laughed out of the bar. I've even seen bars that sell Budweiser and Samuel Adams. Haven't seen any Duff though :-)

dclegg

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#1455007 22-Dec-2015 09:31

scottjpalmer: If craft beer is your thing, try 16 Tun, Brothers Beer, Brew on Quay which are all in the CBD.

And Gabraiths Ale House on Mount Eden Road.

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