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.

Don Kavanagh wonders why we're paying gold-plated prices for domestic beer.

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.

Don Kavanagh is hoping for some sturdy seating this summer.

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.

A pureness within Irish whiskey is enough to warm any heart, says Don Kavanagh.

Danielle Wright gets a lesson in beer appreciation as she infiltrates a weekly meeting of the Hopful Thinkers.