Where to find some of the best craft beer

Pour the best and pour local at Woodstock Brewery

Last updated: Tuesday, 14 May 2024

Isn't it the most beautiful thing to have beer in your fridge from a local spot around the corner? Like from Woodstock Brewery, the guys who turned sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll into really cool beer names, and transformed an old paint factory in Woodstock into one of South Africa’s top breweries. It’s a love story of community and creativity, shining a light on an underrated Cape Town suburb. 

Woodstock Brewery founder Andre Viljoen bought the building online, while living in Korea. Image: Woodstock Brewery

FOR BEER LOVERS BY BEER LOVERS

Woodstock Brewery is run by the guys who turned their beer tanks into soup tanks during Covid-19, helping feed over 10 000 people a day. Owner Andre Viljoen founded the brewery, taproom and restaurant, about 10 years ago, while he was working as a banker abroad. 

The brewery is filled with giant fermenting tanks that tower over you, with the smell of sweet malt filling the space. You can book a tour of the brewery and learn all about the rich history of the building, or just hang out at the Beerhall and try some of the brews. 

A two-storey building with the brewery on the ground floor. Image: Woodstock Brewery

YOU’LL LOVE THE CHEEKY BREWS

Playing on the history of its location, and the iconic Woodstock Festival, the beer names play on the “sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll” theme. There are 10 craft beers available, each one cheekier than the last. There’s the Born Slippy (named after a song by Underworld), the Pot Belge (referring to a mixture of drugs used in cycling) and the Californifactor (well…you can see where this is going). Even the labels and typography have sneaky references to the theme. 

The most popular order on tap is the Born Slippy lager, easy drinking and crisp, while the Californicator IPA, a more piney and boozy brew, sells four times more than the others in its canned version. All brews are available on tap, apart from the Sugarman – a Belgium quad that’s 10% alcohol. 

The craft beers are available at most retail and independent liquor stores. Image: Woodstock Brewery

WATCH BIG GAMES OR LIVE MUSIC IN THE BEERHALL

The Bavarian-style beer hall has the look and feel of Oktoberfest. Umbrellas cascade from the ceiling and bright murals and artworks pop from the brick walls. There are loads of seating options, with bar seats, large benches and a balcony overlooking Albert Road. Besides being the optimal spot for a cold brew, the Woodstock Beerhall has 3 TVs and a 2.5m x 4m screen for major sport events. 

You’ll find all sorts of folks hanging out here, from beer nerds to live music lovers. Even those who don’t know the difference between a lager and an ale will learn a thing or two about beer.

If you want to watch a big game, book in advance to secure your table. Image: Woodstock Brewery

In the last year the brewery has become well known as a live music and events venue. Major names like Arno Cartens and Prime Circle have performed in the Beerhall, while the odd tribute show or Halloween bash is hosted there, too. Keep an eye out for upcoming shows. 

What better way to rock out to local musicians than with a beer named after a classic rock ‘n roll song? Image: Woodstock Brewery

TASTE UP TO NINE CRAFT BEERS

Whether you’re losing your beer-ginity or you’re just a massive beer fan, the tasting mat is a great way to explore different flavours and find a beer you love. You can taste all nine beers on tap, or customise your tasting mat to your liking, according to how many you want to taste. It’s R10 for 100ml taster glass.

The non-beer drinkers in our team enjoyed the Slice of Life, an IPA with a citrus undertone, and the Mr Brownstone, a hazelnut brown ale. The brewsters in the team loved the Pot Belge Amber Ale, and one of them even discovered that she liked the Dublin Soul stout, which reminded her of a black iced-coffee. Find out more about the beer tasting.

There’s a description of each beer on the tasting menu. Image: Lara van Zyl

CHECK OUT THE DAILY FOOD SPECIALS

Beers and burgers – name a better combo. 

Woodstock Brewery has loads of easy-does-it comfort foods that go well with any of their craft beers, from classic beef, bacon and guac to fried chicken or a pulled pork bun. And then there’s the sides: Classic slap chips, corn, roasted potatoes and even a whole pretzel. Burgers are topped with crispy onion rings. There are also daily specials like 2-for-1 burgers on Mondays, 2-for-1 chicken schnitzels on Wednesdays, Friday curry special and more.

There’s a kiddies menu too. Image: Woodstock Brewery

BOOK IT FOR FUNCTIONS (OR RENT A KEG)

The Beerhall is up for grabs for any corporate or private event – birthdays, year ends, bachelor/ettes, team-building or networking. Albert Road is one of the busiest and most vibrant roads in Woodstock, which makes the balcony a great spot to drink beer and celebrate at a bachelor or birthday party. It can take up to 200 people canape style or 150 people sit down. 

You could also bring Woodstock Brewery to you. If you need a keg for a wedding, birthday bash or even a lekker braai over the weekend, you can rent the tap unit and chilling system. Pop in for a tasting, select which beers you’d like and they’ll bring it to your venue and help set up. Or you can pick it up yourself and they’ll show you how it works. 

Call to book an event. Image: Woodstock Brewery

GET IN TOUCH WITH WOODSTOCK BREWERY

Woodstock Brewery is open: Monday to Saturday, 11am - 10pm; Sundays, 11am - 6pm
Find it: 252 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town
Contact on: 021 203 3045, @woodstockbrewery

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