Roosters is a wonderfully unpretentious bar and microbrewery which concentrates on serving good beer to its loyal local clientele. Its unexpected industrial setting on the outskirts of Hastings makes the pleasantly relaxed hospitality within all the more special. Whilst supping a pint at one of the well-worn tables, you are likely to see as many customers filling their flagons with takeaway beer before 7 pm closing time as you are to see beer tapped at the bar by the welcoming and knowledgeable bar staff. Alas, only one beer is served by handpump, the rest being unduly carbonated. Even the handpulled beer has a blanket carbon dioxide coating 'helping it along the way', although this is only noticeable in the sense that the beer doesn't taste stale and oxidised! One could hardly condone the practise but, given the generally lamentable state of NZ beer, to receive anything that is fresh, and neither luke-warm nor gassy, is a minor miracle. Their handpulled beer changes with the season. Recently it has been the drinkable, although rather characterless 5.2% Roosters Pale Ale.
