Drop-in tavern brews own

Press, 2 September 1989, Page 10

Drop-in tavern brews own

By

RICHARD CRESSWELL

Canterbury’s latest — and smallest — brewery plans to open today in Merivale.

The brewery and tavern — the Brewer’s Arms — owned by McCashins of Nelson, will sell its own choice of beer on the premises as well as leading brands of beer and spirits. The project was proposed about a year ago but hit minor snags. The brewer, Mr Richard Clephane, said residents had petitioned against the tavern but the Licensing Control Commission granted a licence in February. Mr Terry McCashin, the owner, said the company had been looking for a site in Christchurch and space on the corner of Papanui Road and Office Road with a tavern licence had become available. The premises will also offer tea and coffee, as well as food supplied

by caterers, aiming to develop a "drop-in centre” image as well as being a tavern. Mr McCashin said a lot of support now existed for “boutique-style” breweries and taverns. McCashins are also co-owners of another boutique brewery and tavern which opened in Tauranga last year. Mr Clephane said brewing followed the German method involving fermenting and conditioning. Conditioning included low temperature balancing of alcohols to improve flavour and to produce a smoother brew. Mr Clephane has been trained by the head brewer of McCashins in Nelson who came from Carlsberg in Germany. He will be based at the brewery in Office Road with a manager, Ms Selma Oudemans. The choice available in Christchurch includes "Merivale premium

lager,” “Canterbury ale” and “classic dark.” The -bar will also feature sparkling cider on tap and will sell flagons of the “boutique brew.” The decor Includes native matai timber from the Nelson area. But the Brewer’s Arms may soon face competition. The joint owner of Mansfield House, Mr John McCormack, said a new pub planned on the corner of Mansfield Avenue and Papanui Road had been given planning approval. The Mansfield House development would be the subject of a Licensing Control Commission hearing this month. Mr McCormack said there had been no objections to the plan from residents. The pub will include a library, which will be fitted with wood panelling from the demolished Heatherlea mansion.