KwaZulu-Natal Brew Route: Discover the best beers KZN has to offer
Are you around Kwazulu-Natal and looking for the perfect place to enjoy some beer? Take a drive through the KZN Brew Route.
Beer is much loved in South Africa, whether you are around the braai, watching sport, or just relaxing after a long day.
If you want to experience beer in a different way, then the KwaZulu-Natal Brew Route is the best place for you.
You will get to taste some of the best beers South Africa has to offer.
That Brewing Co.
That Brewing Co. is the perfect place to go for the best local craft beer KZN has to offer.
Occasional drinkers will enjoy a glass of That Blonde Ale, or you can order The Black Stout, That Apa American Pale Ale, That Red Irish Cream Ale, and That Good Adweiss.
It is also a great place to make new friends, eat, and just chill and unwind.
That Brewing Co. is located inside S43, which is at 43 Station Drive in Durban.
Robson’s Real Beer
Real, good beer for real beer lovers is what Robson's Real Beer promises.
It prides itself as one of South Africa’s oldest craft beers and what makes its beers unique is that they are made using only the finest ingredients with no artificial additives.
Robson’s Real Beer introduced beer lovers to IPA’s, Steam Beer, and sparkling ales. The beers are brewed by Shongweni Brewery, which is an independent, family-owned craft brewery in Durban at 72 Mahatma Gandhi Road, Durban.
The Nottingham Road Brewing Company
Head to The Nottingham Road Brewing Company to get the best alcoholic beverage in KZN. The brewery has been serving both local and international guests the finest beers since 1996.
What makes their beers unique is the good-quality ingredients they use.
‘Only the purest spring water drawn from an artesian well on the grounds and finest quality hops and malted barley are used to create beers of outstanding character with a smooth, well-rounded taste,’ states its website.
It can be found in the quaint village of Nottingham Road in the Midlands, about 135km north-west of Durban.
Lions River Craft Brewery & Beer Garden
Located in the town of Lidgetton, central Midlands, the Lions River Craft Brewery & Beer Garden is the best spot for beer lovers.
It is owned by the McClelland family and specialises in homemade craft beer.
You will also get to experience brewery tours, craft beer on tap, country platters consisting of a selection of fresh Midlands homemade and homegrown pickles, relishes and cheeses, charcuterie (handcrafted cured meats), artisan bread, and farm butter.
East Coast Brewing Company
Tag your family along and go to the East Coast Brewing Company to enjoy good beer and pizza. The little ones even have their own designated place to play. Not only is the vicinity spacious, but the brewery has state of the art brewing facilities and is one of the largest of its kind in Southern Africa.
The brewery is based in Umkhomazi (Umkomaas) on the South Coast and it is independent and family-owned.
Drakensberg Brewery
A proudly KZN Craft Beer – that’s what Drakensberg Brewery does.
The Brewmaster, Nick Roberts, uses the finest barley, hops, and yeast, together with fresh Drakensberg spring water to make beer.
The brewery is situated in Cathkin Park in the heart of Ukhahlamba, Drakensberg.
The good thing about supporting this brewery is that it believes in giving back to society.
Every time a bottle of beer is bought, the brewery donates 10c to the local vulture conservation in the Drakensberg. It also donates to the Cathkin Trails.
Zululand Brewery
Visit the smallest family-owned brewery on the KZN Brew Route.
Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner with a glass of beer at the Zululand Brewery. One of the most loved beers that it serves is the Zulu Blonde.
The area is decorated with beautiful fabrics designed in Zululand and traditional textures. Since 1997, customers have been enjoying a variety of tasty beers.
Basset Breweries
Premium craft beers of the highest quality are what you will find at the Basset Breweries.
Your pets (on a leash) and your little ones will have plenty of fun playing in the designated play area. You can also spoil your family to delicious meals that are served at the Doghouse Craft Cafe restaurant. What is also nice is that you can learn how beer is made by booking a brewery tour.
Ballito Brewing Company
Ballito Brewing Company was started in 2015. It is located in Shaka's Head, North Coast, and was formerly known as Great Railroad Brewing Company.
The brewery offers a range of beers designed to please all beer lovers.
Some of its beers include the Dingaans Premium Lager; Shakas Impi Lager; Bohemian Pilsner - a classic Pilsner with a twist; German Weiss beer; Irish Red Ale; Ballito Belgian Ale - a Belgian Witbier (made with bitter orange peel and coriander); and the Ballito Olde' English Ale.
1000 Hills Brewing Company
The 1000 Hills Brewing Company was established in 2009 as Porcupine Quill Brewing Company.
It's part of the 1000 Hills Chef School. Advanced students learn the art of Craft Beer Brewing. What makes it unique is that there is a vast range of flavours and appearances which will satisfy different preferences.
The brewery can be found in Bothas Hill, about 40km west of Durban.
For more KZN Travels articles read below:
- King Shaka Heritage Route – Witness the footsteps of the great Shaka Zulu
- KZN's Judea - the iconic village where Shembe followers meet yearly
- Celebrating KZN’s diverse culture: The Umthayi Marula Festival
- Five places to eat along the Inanda Heritage Route
- Inside the Battle of Isandlwana – Explore one KZN’s most historic sites
Main image courtesy of iStock