Come and enjoy hand craft beer and cider in our beautiful brewpub
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Clarens Brewery

4.4
·3k reviews·Clarens, South Africa

A charming brewery in Clarens offering superb beer & gin tastings and exceptional food, with a relaxed outdoor seating area and great views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds, enjoy quiet

CrowdLow
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Come and enjoy hand craft beer and cider in our beautiful brewpub

Clarens Brewery

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds, enjoy quiet

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming brewery in Clarens offering superb beer & gin tastings and exceptional food, with a relaxed outdoor seating area and great views.

4.4
(3k reviews)

"This hidden gem offers superb beer and gin tasting with exceptional food and a relaxed vibe."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Pack Warm Layers

Clarens gets cold, even in summer! Bring extra warm clothing for evenings. :cloud:

🍺 Don't Skip the Tasting

Even if you're not a beer fan, the tastings are fun and surprisingly good! :beer_mug:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Beer & Gin Tasting Flights

Beer & Gin Tasting Flights

Brewery Tasting Area

Sample a variety of craft beers and unique gins. A delightful introduction to their offerings, often described as superb and affordable.

Reddit
Exceptional Food Experience

Exceptional Food Experience

Brewery Restaurant

Don't underestimate the food! Many reviewers rave about the fresh, tasty, and well-prepared meals, with generous portions.

Reddit
Scenic Outdoor Seating

Scenic Outdoor Seating

Rear Brewery Area

Enjoy your drinks and food with a view in this charming, quieter extension of the main restaurant. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Clarens Chill

Clarens can get surprisingly cold, even in summer! Pack layers, especially for evenings. Many visitors recommend arriving early to snag the best spots, particularly if you want to enjoy the outdoor seating with a view. Reddit

Taste Your Way Through

Clarens Brewery offers both beer and gin tastings, with many finding everything superb. Don't be afraid to try the beer even if you're not a usual fan; the Blonde is often highlighted as surprisingly good. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Beat the crowds, enjoy quiet
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn afternoons
Why
Lovely weather for outdoors
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Clarens trip

🎯 Pack Warm Layers

Clarens gets cold, even in summer! Bring extra warm clothing for evenings. Reddit :cloud:

🍺 Don't Skip the Tasting

Even if you're not a beer fan, the tastings are fun and surprisingly good! Reddit :beer_mug:

reddit.com

A beer pioneer, South Africa's first Black female brewery owner trains a new generation

reddit.com

Looking for a "hidden gem" holiday

🍽️ Try the Food!

The food is exceptional and reasonably priced, with generous portions. Reddit :forkandknife:

🌳 Seek the Rear Seating

For a more relaxed vibe and great views, opt for the seating behind the main restaurant. Reddit :tree:

reddit.com

Boys weekend away ideas

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Pack Warm Layers

Clarens gets cold, even in summer! Bring extra warm clothing for evenings. Reddit :cloud:

🍺 Don't Skip the Tasting

Even if you're not a beer fan, the tastings are fun and surprisingly good! Reddit :beer_mug:

🍽️ Try the Food!

The food is exceptional and reasonably priced, with generous portions. Reddit :forkandknife:

🌳 Seek the Rear Seating

For a more relaxed vibe and great views, opt for the seating behind the main restaurant. Reddit :tree:

⏰ Arrive Early

Get the best seats, especially outdoors, by arriving before peak times. Reddit :clock1:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Clarens Brewery is celebrated for its superb beer and gin tastings, alongside exceptionally tasty and well-prepared food with generous portions. Many visitors love the scenic outdoor seating area, offering a relaxed vibe and great views. However, some reviews mention slow service and occasional issues with food temperature or preparation on specific dishes.

"Yummy beer and gin tasting. Could not decide what to drink after the tasters, everything was superb. Food well prepared and reasonably priced. Service a bit slow, even though it was not busy. Enjoyed the outside seating, lovely autumn day. We arrived quite early , before 10h00 and it was still very quiet."

Verushka Jacobs

"This hidden gem, tucked behind the main brewery restaurant with the best view, is the best spot to be. If you can, grab a seat outside for a more relaxed experience. It’s a charming extension of the bustling front restaurant, offering a quieter and more enjoyable setting."

Mukul Saini

"Popped in for a light lunch and the gin tasting. The food was made fresh, the portions were big and it was super tasty. The gin tasting was affordable and a lovely introduction to the gins they have on tap. The staff was friendly and attentive throughout our meal."

Linda Mkwanazi

What People Like

Superb beer & gin tastings
Exceptional food quality
Generous food portions

What People Dislike

Slow service
Inconsistent food temp

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Clarens Brewery is located in the heart of Clarens. If you're visiting Clarens, it's easily accessible on foot from most accommodations. For those driving, there is usually parking available nearby. Some visitors suggest taking the scenic route via Golden Gate National Park on your way to Clarens. Reddit

The brewery is a well-known spot in Clarens. It's often described as a 'hidden gem' tucked behind the main brewery restaurant, so look for signs or ask locals for directions. Reddit

Many travelers enjoy the drive to Clarens, with some recommending the route through Golden Gate National Park for its stunning scenery. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, generally you do not need tickets to enter Clarens Brewery. It operates as a restaurant and tasting room. You pay for your food and drinks, including any tasting flights. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, but it's advisable to arrive early, especially before 10:00 AM, to secure good seating. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most current operating times. Reddit

There is no entry fee to visit Clarens Brewery. You will pay for any food, drinks, or tasting experiences you choose to have. Reddit

While not always explicitly stated, arriving early is recommended, especially for outdoor seating. For larger groups, it might be worth contacting them directly to inquire about reservations. Reddit

While specific event details like 'clarens beer festival 2022' or 'clarens beer festival 2023' are not detailed here, breweries often host events. It's best to check their announcements for any upcoming beer festivals or special occasions. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The vibe is generally great, with a charming atmosphere. The rear seating area offers a quieter, more relaxed experience compared to the bustling front restaurant. Reddit

Many visitors recommend the outside seating in the area behind the main restaurant for its relaxed atmosphere and lovely views. Arriving early helps secure these popular spots. Reddit

While not explicitly detailed, the relaxed atmosphere and good food suggest it could be suitable for families. However, the focus on tastings might lean more towards adults. Reddit

You can enjoy beer and gin tastings, have a full meal, and relax in their scenic outdoor seating area. Reddit

Information about Wi-Fi availability is not provided in the reviews, but it's common for restaurants to offer it. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The brewery serves a range of meals, with burgers and chicken wings being mentioned. Reviewers consistently praise the food for being fresh, tasty, and well-prepared, with generous portions. Reddit

Yes, reviewers frequently mention that the food portions are big and satisfying. Reddit

The food is described as reasonably priced, offering good value for the quality and portion size. Reddit

One review mentioned the 'Flamin Smoke burger' was drenched in oil from the peppers, suggesting it might be a hit or miss dish. Reddit

Yes, Clarens Brewery offers gin tasting, which is described as affordable and a lovely introduction to their gin selection. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The outdoor seating area behind the main restaurant offers lovely views and a relaxed ambiance, making it a great spot for photos. The tasting flights themselves can also be visually appealing. Reddit

With its charming setting, scenic views from the outdoor area, and well-presented food and drinks, Clarens Brewery offers several photogenic opportunities. Reddit

Early mornings or late afternoons during autumn might offer the best light for photography, especially if you're aiming for the outdoor seating with views. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Clarens Brewery offers a welcoming atmosphere that can be enjoyed by families. While the focus on beer and gin tasting might appeal more to adults, the exceptional food and generous portions are a definite plus for kids. The relaxed vibe, especially in the outdoor seating area, can make for a pleasant family meal. It's advisable to arrive earlier in the day to ensure a comfortable experience before any potential evening crowds. Reddit

Consider ordering a variety of dishes to share, as the food is consistently praised for its taste and quality. While specific kid-friendly amenities aren't highlighted, the general ambiance of Clarens as a charming town often appeals to families. Exploring the town's small, concentrated restaurant area can also be a fun activity for children. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Clarens Brewery offers good value for money, especially considering the quality of both food and drinks. The tasting flights for beer and gin are affordable, providing a great way to sample multiple options without breaking the bank. Reddit The food is reasonably priced and the portions are generous, meaning you might not need to order as much to feel satisfied. Reddit

To maximize your budget, consider sharing tasting flights or ordering a few main dishes to split among your group. Arriving early can also help you snag the best outdoor seating without needing to pay extra, allowing you to enjoy the ambiance for free. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Clarens Brewery Experience: Beyond the Beer

Clarens Brewery is more than just a place to grab a beer; it's a culinary destination. While the beer and gin tastings are a major draw, many visitors are pleasantly surprised by the quality and taste of the food. Reviews consistently highlight that the meals are freshly prepared, super tasty, and served in generous portions, all at reasonable prices. This makes it a great spot for a full lunch or dinner, not just a quick drink. Reddit

For those seeking a more tranquil experience, the hidden gem tucked behind the main restaurant is a must-visit. This area offers a quieter and more enjoyable setting with the best views, making it ideal for a relaxed afternoon. Grabbing a seat outside here is highly recommended, especially on a lovely autumn day. Reddit

However, it's worth noting that service can sometimes be a bit slow, even when not busy. Also, some dishes, like the 'Flamin Smoke burger' or chicken wings, have received mixed reviews regarding temperature and preparation. Despite these minor points, the overall consensus points to a highly enjoyable experience, especially when you combine the unique tastings with the delicious food and scenic ambiance. Reddit

Navigating Clarens: Tips from Travelers

When planning a trip to Clarens, remember that the weather can be unpredictable, and it gets cold, especially in the evenings. Visitors strongly advise packing lots of warm things, regardless of the season. Reddit This is crucial for enjoying the town and its surroundings comfortably. Reddit

The town itself is described as beautiful and its restaurants are concentrated in a small area, making it easy to explore on foot once you're there. For those traveling to Clarens, a popular recommendation is to take the scenic route via Golden Gate National Park. This adds an extra layer of natural beauty to your journey. Reddit

Arriving early at popular spots like Clarens Brewery is also a recurring tip. This helps in securing the best seating, particularly the coveted outdoor spots with views, and allows you to enjoy the atmosphere before it gets too crowded. Reddit

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