Clarens Brewery is a must-visit spot for beer lovers and anyone looking to enjoy a relaxed, vibrant atmosphere in the heart of Clarens. As one of South Africa’s first brewpubs, it has built a well-deserved reputation for its excellent craft beers, ciders, and welcoming hospitality.
The moment you step in, you’re greeted by a lively yet laid-back setting. Whether you choose to sit indoors and watch the brewing process in action or relax outside with stunning views of the Maluti Mountains, the ambiance is always inviting. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about their brews, happy to offer recommendations and insights into the brewing process.
The beer selection is fantastic, with a range of handcrafted options to suit every taste—from crisp lagers and hoppy IPAs to rich, malty stouts. Their ciders are equally impressive, made from locally sourced apples and pears for a refreshing, natural taste. If you’re unsure what to try, the tasting trays are a great way to sample a variety of flavors.
Pair your drink with something from their delicious food menu. The beer-friendly dishes, like their famous bratwurst and pretzels, are perfect for a casual and satisfying meal.
Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast or just looking for a great place to unwind, Clarens Brewery delivers a top-notch experience. It’s the perfect spot to gather with friends, enjoy great drinks, and soak in the...
Read moreI am leaving a 1-star review for Clarens Brewery (wish I could give a 0) due to a concerning experience.
Food Safety Concerns: Both my wife and I became very ill after sharing the wings starter and ribs yesterday, which were our main meal of the day. Though we had a small snack earlier, this was the only substantial food we ate. We both experienced severe vomiting and stomach issues shortly after, leading us to believe the meal at Clarens Brewery was the cause.
Sanitation Issues: When our drinks arrived, my wife’s canned drink had two dead insects on it. While we asked for a replacement can, this is something that should have been checked before serving. Additionally, the illness suggests possible issues with food storage or preparation—particularly with items like sauces or meat—that need to be addressed to avoid health risks for other guests.
Impact on Our Honeymoon: We were looking forward to exploring Clarens, but instead, we’re stuck indoors managing symptoms and buying medication. This has had a negative impact on our special trip.
We hope the management will take this feedback seriously and address these concerns appropriately, as we’ve noticed previous replies to complaints...
Read moreVery middle of the road. I've been visiting the brewery for more than a decade, and I'm very proud of what they've accomplished in their time with the establishment. Food selection is fantastic, ample seating and a beautiful spot indeed.
That said, the beers have become bland and uninspired. Stout tastes like watery dark lager. The Blonde has lost that trademark biscuit flavour and mouthfeel. Red Ale no longer satisfies the palette. Lager is too sweet and lacks crispness. Hazelnut Brown tastes artificial. IPA almost appeared to be the salvation, but that beer was too thin as well. The sMasH was particularly bad, a flavourless beer with some Citra hop notes. All of the beers have a metallic off-flavour and are mostly over carbonated. Some water mineral adjustment and a warmer mash would improve the beers dramatically.
Don't get me wrong, the beers aren't bad. They're just not great beers. Not a spot for the discerning drinker, while Joe Average would likely enjoy the drinks.
Staff appear to be of the lower order, simple questions are...
Read more