I asked Google; “What makes a pub successful?” Their AI platform gave a very good answer. This is what it said;
“A successful pub typically thrives by offering a welcoming atmosphere, a good selection of quality drinks, consistent service, a well-curated food menu (if applicable), regular community events and entertainment options, all while catering to the specific needs and preferences of its local clientele.”
In contrast, a very human answer
In my opinion, what makes a pub successful is hands on management by a passionate owner or owners.
An ardent brewer has a deep-rooted love and commitment for their work, and this fuels their drive to succeed.
Bars at the top of their game are steered by an owner whose original intention was not to be successful in business, but to produce a perfectly delicious brew. This perfection is very elusive and so they keep trying harder.
The perfect beer is the main objective, but beer is a sociable product and must be shared with like-minded tipplers. To do this you need a pub, not just any pub, but a pub that makes the ideal home for the complete brew.
It is at this point that the brewer and his or her pub starts to match the Google prescription.
RHBC – A pub at the top of their game
Saying that a pub is “the best” is an opinion and, in the case of Richmond Hill Brewing Company (RHBC), it is my opinion that this is the best pub that I have visited.
My opinion is, however, well founded. I have visited pubs all around the world and there have been some that have come close to RHBC’s awesomeness.
The Dojo Bar (now sadly closed) in Okinawa comes to mind for its fantastic atmosphere and because they are purveyors of the delicious Orion Beer, and I remember one pub in the Temple Bar in Dublin that served fresh Guiness at the perfect temperature. South Africa, with their amazing microbrewing industry, has a host of great pubs in beautiful settings serving superb beer and I make a point of visiting them.
There are plenty of indicators that RHBC is awesome. Their beers have won numerous awards, their seasonal brews sell-out fast and, perhaps the best pointer, they are always busy.
If we take Googles suggestions as a checklist then RHBC comes out with very good marks. Warm fires in winter, cold beer in summer and unique seasonal brews for every occasion. The staff are friendly, helpful and they know me by name. Ask them for a sample of a seasonal brew and they will gladly oblige.
The food is brilliant and pairs well with their brews. My daughter, an aficionado on burgers, rates them tops.
For community events and entertainment there are beer runs, music festivals, fancy dress parties, quiz nights and plenty of beer appreciation proceedings. The atmosphere during a Springbok rugby match is electric.
Driven by passion
I first sampled RHBC’s wares when they were produced in small batches in a microbrewery behind the Beer Yard in Richmond Hill, Port Elizabeth. They were pretty good. I had later heard that they had moved to a bigger premises in Baakens Valley and when they opened a small taproom next to the brewery, I became a regular visitor.
In the past few years, Neil Cook, their master brewer has won the brewery numerous awards and has grown the tap room into adjacent courtyards, added a kitchen, a wine shed and a pizza oven. Chicky’s Yard has become famous for its festive atmosphere and the wine shed is a purveyor of one of the best wine selections in the city.
All this from a passion to brew great beer and to provide a venue where it could be appreciated.
In short RHBC is the perfect home for nearly perfect brews. Please Niall, don’t ever stop trying for perfection. To book a table or a tasting call 066 472 6352. Shop for their brews online here.
Follow them on Facebook and Instagram. Find them at 2 Alabaster St, South End, Gqeberha or on Google Maps here.
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