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 Brewery and Bar, 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 which won the 2017 Brewers Awards. Rebel For Kicks Hazy IPA is their top selling beer, and is a sessionable Hazy with notes of pineapple.  Social Experiment West Coast IPA is very clean and has everchanging 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, takeaway b.effect in bottles or bring a growler for filling. Just like the taps, b.social’s food menu provides a little something different yet also something for everyone.

The menu 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 & onion jam, cheese and pickles - all loaded into a lightly toasted bun. It’s simple and delish, just like the poutine. Loaded kimchi fries come with crispy pork belly, kimchi and chilli mayo, and you’d be remiss not to try the 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.