Irish Ale House

Irish Ale house with open air pizza kitchen

Not an easy place to find, but worth the drive. Unless you come from another continent. Then it is worth the fly and drive. As it was for me. I came from a small village north of Cape Town to be part of the quarter finals of the 2010 world cup. I also managed to visit friends who stay about 40min out of so called civilisation in the direction of Hartebeespoort Dam. A bit further along is a microbrewery we set out to find.

After some interesting navigation of dirt roads near Hartebeesboort dam in the ever willing rental car we come to a collection of small buildings on a slight slope. This is Broederstroom, North West Province so the Vierkleur I expected, but not the Irish flag. Chickens and geese walk around marking time until Christmas. This is the Irish Ale House

We attract attention as tourists do in any local. On this side of the counter three regulars hold it upright. “Any one of you called Dirk?” An uncertain pause. Apparently in this part of the world if a large guy ask for you by name you run.

But from behind the bar comes an affirmative followed by a counter “Are you Leon?” Now everybody is happy. Happiness soon to be increased by a tour of the brewery. I see the famous Broederstroom blonde in the fermentation tank. Nicely built into a large ex-cooldrink fridge. The counter flow chiller hangs on the wall. Dirk is slightly embarrassed by his electrical connection to the mash tun. His electrical contractor, himself, was in a hurry.

We go outside to sit in the Highveld sun and drink some beer. Soon a Broederstroom pizza comes, accompanied by a vegetarian. As am I. Very good pizza's made in the semi-open air kitchen (on the left of the picture above).

The Broederstroom Blonde is still fermenting and therefore not ready for me.(As are most blondes the world over it seems)

My fat fingers warming the beer unnecessarily

We spent the whole afternoon soaking up the sun and the beer. Dirk joined us for a while recklessly leaving the bar in the hands of his wife. We talk about the number of new breweries opening up in the area (Cullinan and Rustenburg) On a good day you can even partake in donkey racing here. As I understand it, you don't have to race against the animals. Dirk gets quite animated when talking about the virtues of the donkey. I did not have the heart to tell him that my only experiences with donkeys was in Donkey Kong, and the odd "steak" pie.

We tasted a Lambic, not Dirk's, but aged on the premises. A complete revelation to my companions. They loved it. For me it is still an acquired taste which I still have to acquire.

Go to the Irish Ale House, but don't be in a hurry. The atmosphere is relaxed, the beer good and the company, even if you don't take your own, is lovely.