Smash Palace is the 'pop-up' reincarnation of Goodbye Blue Monday, which used to sit in Poplar Lane opposite the Twisted Hop before the earthquakes. The bar is a converted bus, and will be on the move sometime in the new year when building starts on its current temporary site. Even on a wet winter's night the outside seating is cosy and inviting, since enough of it is covered and heated. They showcase local beers, happily including a couple of handpumps which draw beer up from a refrigerated area beneath the bar. Despite the beer generally coming from bags, it is usually served in respectable condition, and has a relatively good turnover.
