New Zealand Real Ale Bar of the Month for June is Speakers Corner English Ale House.
The Speakers Corner English Ale House installed two handpumps at the end of last year with a view to serving Galbraith's real ales. Unlike some bars around the country who sadly content themselves with storing their real ale in bags on the floor at room temperature beneath the bar, this establishment has done the job properly, and stores the barrels in a temperature-controlled cellar. The beer is usually fresh, clear, and at a respectable temperature, so long as the pub is busy. Any bubbles on the side of the glass are more likely to be inadequately cleaned glasses rather than artificial carbonation to the beer. It's a pleasant spot from which to look out over the sea and toast it with a pint of beer. English beer and the seaside. Horrible memories of Clacton return. Perhaps it's the locals loitering in vests in the doorways as they puff at a cigarette end? Suppress the thought. England's a long way away, and it doesn't have anything to compare with the Hauraki Gulf.
