About
The Shakespeare Hotel on Albert Street in Auckland's CBD is one of the city's most established brewery and bar venues, blending heritage hospitality with a working micro brewery. Known for crafting its own beers on-site, this spot has carved out a loyal following among both locals and visitors seeking authentic Kiwi pub culture with a craft edge. The brewery aspect sets it apart from standard city bars—you're drinking beer made metres away from where you're sitting, which gives the experience a tangible sense of place that generic chains simply can't replicate.
Visitors should expect a lively, unpretentious atmosphere that works well for everything from solo drinks at the bar to group catch-ups and casual dates. The venue spans multiple spaces—restaurant, bar, and brewery—so you can grab a meal, stay for drinks, or just pop in for a tasting. Most people spend 1–3 hours here depending on whether they're eating. The 3.8-star rating across 462 Google reviews reflects a solid, reliable experience, though service and food quality can be uneven on busy nights. It's best visited during quieter weekday lunches if you want a more relaxed vibe, or Friday/Saturday evenings if you're after energy and a fuller crowd.
The Shakespeare fits naturally into an Auckland CBD visit—it's walking distance from Britomart's cafes and galleries, close to the waterfront, and a good mid-point for exploring the city centre on foot. If you're doing a craft brewery crawl, it's one of the few microbreweries actually based in the CBD, making it convenient rather than requiring a trip out to Ponsonby or Grey Lynn. Summer is pleasant for the outdoor seating if available, but it's equally worthwhile year-round for warming up with a local ale.
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