It’s been a while since I dipped my toes into the Mediterranean Sea in Greece and had a stein of beer in a Munich beer hall, but that’s where Crafty Trout Brewing in Taupo took me. The upstairs Bier Kafe was once a Greek restaurant, it’s been redesigned with Austria and Oktoberfest in mind.

The Bier Kafe at Crafty Trout Brewing in Taupo retains a Mediterranean feel

There’s an alcohol free German beer on the menu, and you can get a one litre stein for around $18. Crafty Trout’s Austrian lagers, ales and ciders are brewed downstairs and have fishy names like Hook, Lure, Jigger and Spinner. A tasting tray of four brews is $15.

Crafty Trout tasting tray

Bar snacks, wood fired pizzas and platters fill up the food menu. We’re always keen on chocolate cake and the Crafty Trout make theirs with beer. The cake’s beer match is Sinker Porter, it might be a while before I’m ready to match beer with dessert. The cake went down well with coffee though, and I’ll be sure to book it an afternoon tea slot next time we’re in Taupo.

Coffee and beer chocolate cake at Crafty Trout

I liked the cute little fish that came with my coffee, kids are looked after with glittery chocolate fish, I’m no fisherwoman but I’m guessing they’d be rainbow trout.

Downstairs in the Trout Giftshop you can buy fish fly earrings and a trout shaped BBQ lighter. You’re onto it, there’s definitely something fishy going on here, right up to the lanterns on the balcony.

Crafty Trout lantern

You might think you’d find Crafty Trout Brewing by way of a giant fish, but no, look for the giant coffee cup next door. Catch the Crafty Trout at 131-135 Tongariro Street.