Richmond Hill Brewing Company (RHBC) is a shining example of what a craft brewery can become when passion, creativity and quality converge. RHBC has grown into an award-winning brewery with delightful eateries and a loyal following of beer lovers, amateur brewers and casual visitors alike.
RHBC’s reputation is not just local — it is an award-winning brewery, earning national and continental recognition, including regular honors at the African Beer Cup and, in 2023, the title of “Best Beer in Africa.”
The Brewer Behind the Beer: Niall Cook
At the helm of RHBC’s brewing operations is Niall Cook, the master brewer whose experience, dedication and passion drive the innovation and consistency behind every batch. According to RHBC, their beers are designed “not just for easy drinking but also to evoke deep emotions you never knew you had.”
Niall arrived back in South Africa after internships and brewing stints overseas, and formed a brewing partnership with Matt Repton. Under Niall’s guidance, the brewery has scaled up its capacities and expanded the range from core offerings to bold seasonal experiments. His hand is evident in the balance, creativity, and consistency of RHBC’s beers — from sessionables to big flavours.
RHBC’s lineup is organized around a strong base of regular brews complemented by a rotating and adventurous set of seasonal and limited offerings.
Regular Brews
These are always (or almost always) available — the dependable backbone of RHBC’s portfolio:
Car Park John: an amber ale that has become RHBC’s iconic flagship.
Twin Fin: a Keller pilsner style
Two Rand Man: an Irish Red Ale which enjoys cult status among fans.
These core brews anchor RHBC’s brand and keep drinkers coming back for familiar favourites.
Seasonal & Experimental Brews
To keep things fresh and surprising, RHBC has developed a wide and eclectic roster of seasonal and special brews. Over time, their roll call includes:
Coastal Cult: Hazy Pale Ale
Flowers for Rosa: Session IPA with Hibiscus
Fever Dream: Black IPA
Ink in My Drink: German Dark Larger
Forbidden Milkshake: Milkshake style IPA
Lemon Yellow Sun: Hoppy Wheat Lager
Psychic Migration: Hoppy Red Ale
That Girl: Oatmeal Stout
Dark Purpose: Dark Stout
Stay Present: West Coast IPA
The Upside: Session IPA
Two Moods: Raspberry Saison collaboration Hazeldean Brewing Company
Break and Enter: New England IPA
November Child: Chamomile Saison
Octo X: Vanilla NEIPA
Unanimous: Hoppy Red Lager in collaboration with Yeastern Cape Brew Club
These names alone hint at the creativity behind the beers: one may find hazy IPAs, fruited sours, milkshake-style ales, dark beers, barrel experiments, and everything in between.
The seasonal schedule is dynamic, ensuring fans stay excited and curious about what’s next. Brewed in limited batches, these beers often disappear rapidly, so fans keep an eye on RHBC’s announcements.
Beyond Beer
RHBC isn’t limited to beer — they also produce non-beer beverages that add dimension to their portfolio:
Jane Doe – a hard lemonade arguably their most successful non-beer alternative, often served when someone wants something refreshing but lighter than beer. Available throughout the country through Checkers.
Jane Doe Ginger — a ginger-inflected version of the Jane Doe hard lemonade, offering spice and zest.
Two products have been discontinued:
Pretty Poison – a berry-infused London Dry Gin
Wawu Tonic — their own line of tonics, well suited for pairing with their gin offerings
These beverages let RHBC cater to patrons who may not be beer drinkers, or who want a break from hops but still enjoy craft flavour.
The RHBC Experience
Visiting RHBC is more than sampling beer — it is stepping into a creative, convivial space. The taprooms are welcoming and unpretentious, surrounded by eateries and lively atmospheres. In Baakens Valley, the ambience is rustic and raw, with glimpses of brewing vessels through large openings, gravel floors, and a certain “unfinished” charm. At Lorraine, the style is a bit more polished, but the same energy carries through.
Beer tastings and tours are offered (with prior booking), walking guests through six to nine beers, paired with stories of the brewing process and philosophy. Outside of RHBC’s in-house menu, patrons can order from neighbouring food vendors.
The combination of excellent brews, great menu and awesome vibe make RHBC one of the top brewing companies in South Africa. Don’t miss an opportunity to visit.
The RHBC brews are available from RHBC’s online shop or from their taproom off Alabaster Street, Baakens Valley or off Kragga Kamma Road, Lorraine, both in Gqeberha. Order online by clicking here. Find them on Google Maps. Following them on Facebook and Instagram.
