Bar review: Brother's Brewery, Mt Eden

Brothers Brewery on Akiraho St in Mt Eden. Photo / Joanna Hunkin

Address: 5 Akiraho St, Mt Eden
Rating:

First drinks didn't take long to decide on, as we opted for a couple of house brews - Brothers Brown and Brothers Lager. The beer list is extensive - a wide selection of craft beers available in addition to the brewery's own blends. The wine list is reasonable, but you're out of luck if you want anything fruitier or more festive.

The vibe is relaxed and family-friendly. It's a bit like heading to a barbecue at a mate's place - complete with dozens of kids running around the warehouse.

It smells of ribs! Coming from Juke Joint BBQ, which shares the premises.

On the stereo: A mix of dub and reggae.

Room for improvement: The space is huge and sparsely furnished, meaning the tables fill up quickly. Some additional leaners would be well-used. The outdoor courtyard is an absolute sun trap but with no shade, it quickly becomes unbearable.

The perfect spot: to catch up with friends and family with younger kids. There are two separate play areas, which are well used. But be warned, Saturday afternoons resemble more of a creche than a bar.

Most redeeming feature: Set between Mt Eden Village and Symonds St, this spot has the market cornered, with the closest competition more than 500m away.