Heyday Beer Co. on Upper Cuba Street in Wellington

It’s not just the décor that is fresh at Heyday. The team believes “fresh is best” when it comes to beer, too. With the brewery and bar both at the upper Cuba Street site, Heyday serves the serious beer aficionado and casual bar-goer. The brews are constantly evolving to supply the best product for the taps. Heyday releases around 25 beers every year. Anything from coffee-infused white stout to grapefruit New England IPAs.

A glass of beer is being poured from a keg.

Heyday Beer Co. on Upper Cuba Street in Te Aro Wellington. People enjoy drinks at the picnic tables on the front patio.

Four friends enjoy a flight of beers on thee patio at Heyday Beer Co on a sunny day.

A close-up of a flight of beers at Heyday Beer Co.

Heyday’s taps have a wide range of rotating beers and seasonal specialities. The bar staff are well-versed in brewing, so you’ll get excellent advice when choosing what to drink. If you’re not in the mood for hops, then the wider drinks menu still serves you well. You’ll find a selection of wines and craft gins from Southward Distilling Co.

The menu continues the fresh theme. While there are plenty of BBQ-inspired beer-drinking dishes like fries and burgers, there are also modern veggie and vegan options. The tacos feature brisket and pulled pork. If you’re looking for extra freshness, head along on a Friday. Held on the first Friday of the month, Heyday’s ‘Friday First Pour: A Lager & Sour Series’ releases a new lager and sour. The event includes food specials, a DJ, music bingo, and spot prizes.

On sunny days the outdoor area at the front fills with patrons, pints, and pooches. The team converted a car park into a relaxing space. Picnic tables and beanbags overlook a games court where you can challenge friends to a game of cornhole. Heyday’s dog-friendly status (and free water and treats) is loved by many furry friends who bring their owners along.

Heyday’s three directors come from diverse backgrounds. Hannah Blackwood was a graphic designer, Hamish Sail was a builder and project manager, and Andy Collins was a mechanical and electrical engineer. Their plan to open a brewery was hatched after Hamish and Hannah (both keen home brewers) took a three-month road trip in the US. They visited dozens of breweries and realised that their next step was to open their own. But they wanted to do it their way. “We found a lot of the craft beer places we had visited, overseas and closer to home, were often dark and masculine in their design and fit-out,” says Hannah. She decided that their brewery would be light, bright, colourful, and inclusive.

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