Port Alfred Warf Street Brew Pub

Mention the word microbrewery and pub grub in the same sentence and I’m sitting up and taking note. That’s how we discovered The Warf Street Brew Pub. A casual conversation with some friends and in the middle of the chat there it was, the gem of Talfred, as the locals refer to Port Alfred. Now having the pleasure of dining at a great pub restaurant is one thing, having that pleasure two days in a row is just beyond good planning. But that’s exactly how it worked out. After hearing about this little gem, Tina and I decided to take the dogs for a long walk along the wrong side of the Kowie river and end it off with lunch at the pub.

The Warf Street Brew Pub is, as you might expect, a brew pub in Warf Street. It is housed in one of the oldest and continuously occupied commercial buildings in the area. The brewery is situated in the adjoining portion of the centuries old stone building. Across the road from the pub behind a low stone wall is the original wharf where goods were off loaded from cargo vessels and stored in the warehouse, now the pub restaurant.

As always we are on the lookout for dog friendly establishment ad leaving the Bullies in a hot Zook is not our first choice. Tina enquired and the manager welcomed our mutts with open arms. We were shown to the courtyard where a couple of round concrete tables and benches were situated in the shade of the building. A bit industrial but nice and shady for the dogs. The nervous waiter did bring a bucket of water for the dogs without being prompted, so score one for the place.

The old stone building has been beautifully restored to it’s former glory, probably looking much finer now that in it’s heyday as a warehouse. Historical significance aside, if an establishment can’t produce the goods, it may as well be in container on the side of the highway. The menu was typical pub style fare and most importantly included lashings of the local brew on tap. I decided to try the Kowie Gold first, a light coloured lager that was perfectly refreshing on a hot day. Although there was a reasonable variety of pub grub, Tina and I decided to opt for our favorite, fish and chips, being fresh Cob. We certainly weren’t disappointed. Our meal arrived promptly and piping hot. This wasn’t your typical fish and chips, it was a decent piece of Cob fried in a generous coating of fresh batter. While the batter was crisp and fresh, the fish was tasty and perfectly cooked. The chips were also crisp and crunchy, just the way chips should be (I’m definitely not one for slap chips).

No sooner had the pleasant memory of the Warf Street Brew Pub settled into the memory banks and a place to remember and recommend, than Tina’s sister Peta and her hubby Andrew invited us to have lunch there the following day. Jackpot! This time we left the dogs in the Zook as it was a cool and overcast day and joined The McMaster family for lunch. I decided to try the other two beers on the menu, being the ale and the stout. I have to admit that the beers certainly didn’t disappoint. Score ten out of ten for brewing prowess. The kitchen was also up the task as the party ordered from across the menu; Andrew and I shared a starter portion of Peri Peri chicken livers. Perfect! Tina had the muscles as a mains course while I chose the veggie back as a non meat alternative. Both were perfectly presented, although the veggie bake was a little small for a main.

All in all, the table was generally satisfied with the meals served and `I for one would definitely recommend the Warf Street Brew Pub.