The news just got better on the fine beer front
GEOFF GRIGGS
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Beer
These are great times for Marlburians with a taste for fine beer.
First up, a fortnight ago saw the launch of Dodson Street Bistro & Alehouse. If you're wondering how a new bar opened in Blenheim without you knowing about it, let me put you straight; the bar was formerly known as Black Creek.
After a shaky period under the previous tenants, the Dodson Street bar and restaurant has for some time been back under the guidance of landlord Nikki Andrews and has regained some of its former glory.
Although the building reputed to be the oldest commercial property in Marlborough has received a welcome fresh coat of paint, the latest change of name seems to be far more than cosmetic. The old pizza chef has been lured back so the pizzas should return to their best, the menu prices are being reviewed (downwards!) and the friendly and attentive waiting team seem genuinely keen to welcome customers and help them enjoy the dining or drinking experience.
But for me the most welcome news came during the opening speeches when Nikki stated her focus for the Dodson Street Bistro & Alehouse is to cater first for local people, her potential regular customers drinkers and diners. She also reiterated a commitment to offering Blenheim's finest range of locally-brewed draught beers.
According to Nikki, neighbours Renaissance Brewing will continue to provide five tap beers, while the four remaining taps (a fifth is planned) will dispense beers from 666 Brewing, Emerson's of Dunedin and guest beers from the country's leading craft brewers.
While we're talking about Renaissance, the beer-loving Californians have recently brewed an American-inspired "Double IPA". At more than 8 per cent and turbocharged in the hop department a massive quantity of the new Rakau hop variety was used this intense, resiny brew is called MPA, or Marlborough Pale Ale, and should make its first appearance in the next few days.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday another Blenheim hostelry changed hands. The new owner of The Old Bank Cafe and Bar in Redwoodtown is ex-pat Pom Mike Pink.
Now if you're thinking that surname is familiar you'd be right; Mike is the brother of Marlborough brewer Roger Pink, of Pink Elephant Brewery fame.
Although Mike used to run a pub in Devon and plans to give the Cleghorn Street bar the feel of a friendly local, he's at pains to point out that he'll not be attempting to recreate an English pub.
But while you probably won't be seeing a dartboard or horse brasses on the walls, Mike who's an enthusiastic member of New Zealand's Society of Beer Advocates (SOBA) is promising an excellent range of beers, and hearty pub food and friendly service.
With 12 taps at his disposal he intends to offer beers from Bays of Nelson, Renaissance and 666 Brewing, and a rotating selection of guest beers.
Having seen the bottled beer list, I'm confident there's something for even the most discerning beer drinker.
Suddenly winter doesn't seem half as bleak! Cheers!
- The Marlborough Express
