The revelation that James Bond will drink beer in the upcoming movie Skyfall is a sobering sign of the times.

It's good to be prepared. When the sun does start shining there are rooftop bars and garden pubs to make the most of the blue sky and clear evenings.

Free booze can exact a steep price for those who pounce on the dregs.

The hearty warmth of Jim's newest ryes set Don Kavanagh beaming ear-to ear.

Customers, writes Don Kavanagh, have been left out of breweries' and bars' thinking.

Brews from the past are back, and taking Don Kavanagh down memory lane.

We're spoiled for choice these days, writes Don Kavanagh.

Don Kavanagh assesses a 'new' range of brews from the Mac's brand.

For Don Kavanagh a tequila sunrise is so old hat. He'd rather drink a Black Mexican.

Christmas has come early for some bar owners, as the big breweries cut keg prices in response to a new competitor.

Raise a few glasses to festive fun with a gift you can share, says Don Kavanagh.

Wellington challenges Auckland with its range of great bars, says Don Kavanagh.

Usually, a crowded bar is a good sign, but this turned out to be a different story at Matakana House.

Summer is nearly here and those afternoons stretching into warm nights mean one thing: it's the season of the perfect gin and tonic.

I had been invited to the opening of this brand-new bar in Takapuna, but I couldn't make it.

There is something about the Gypsy Tea Room that makes me appreciate how much thought has gone into it.

Walking into the Northcote Tavern is like walking back in time.