About
Volstead Trading Company on Riccarton Road in Christchurch has quietly become one of Canterbury's most respected craft breweries. Named after the American Prohibition era, the venue wears its theme lightly—it's more about honest, well-crafted beer than theatrics. Their core range is genuinely good: the flagship pale ale balances bitterness and fruit, and the rotating seasonal taps showcase real experimentation. What sets them apart in Canterbury's growing craft beer scene is consistency and a no-nonsense approach. They brew what they believe in, and locals have noticed—644 Google reviews averaging 4.6 stars speaks to word-of-mouth credibility rather than hype.
Expect a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that suits solo drinkers at the bar as much as groups claiming a table. The space is industrial-cool without trying too hard: exposed brick, good lighting, and staff who actually know their beer. A typical visit runs 1–2 hours for a tasting flight or a couple of pints, though many settle in longer. It's genuinely family-friendly during the day (kids welcome, food trucks often parked outside), and becomes more adult-focused after dark. The real win here is quality over gimmick—there's no poker machines, no forced entertainment, just good beer and genuine hospitality. Go if you care about craft beer; skip it if you're after a party venue.
Volstead fits naturally into a Riccarton brewery crawl alongside nearby spots, but also works as a standalone destination worth the drive from central Christchurch. It's reliable year-round, though summer weekends draw bigger crowds. If you're exploring Canterbury's food and drink scene, this is where locals actually spend their money—a marker of authenticity in any region. Pair it with a walk through the nearby Riccarton Bush reserve, or make it part of a wider craft beer trail through the South Island.
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