Dusk at Tuk Tuk Microbrewery. Photograph courtesy of the restaurant.

Tuk Tuk Microbrewery, the first of its kind on Franschhoek’s main street, opened its doors last Thursday. Forming part of the Leeu Collection portfolio (alongside the likes of The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Français), the cool new bar, brewery and taquería is spicing up the neighbourhood with local craft beers and Mexican-inspired eats, plus the chance to observe the brewing process.

Tuk Tuk beer and spiced nachos with guacamole, pico de gallo and sour cream. Photograph courtesy of the restaurant.

Dewald Goosen, the brewmaster at Tuk Tuk, was previously a senior brewer at CBC at Spice Route in Paarl, where he gained experience with both microbrewing as well as larger brewing plants before taking on the reins at this new Franschhoek post. The gorgeous new brewery was constructed by Kaspar Schulz from Bamberg, Germany, a company with over 300 years of experience.

Visitors can sit indoors and watch their favourite craft beer being expertly made, or find a spot outdoors on the leafy main street of Franschhoek. Six CBC beers are on offer – CBC Lager, CBC Mandarina Bavaria IPA, CBC Imperial IPA, CBC Pilsner, CBC Amber Weiss and CBC Krystal Weiss – while four exclusive handcrafted Tuk Tuk branded beers – a lager, weiss, dunkel and pale ale – will be released later this year.

Tuk Tuk beer pictured alongside chilli-and-lime chicken wings. Photograph courtesy of the restaurant.

Beer lovers can sample the tasting menu of three or six brews, or spice things up with the T&T, a tequila and a spicy tomatino shot, followed by a cooling half-pint of lager. Those who would rather sip on some vino can enjoy the likes of Mullineux Kloof Street Chenin Blanc or Swartland Rouge by the bottle or glass.

The brewery has a fresh taquería-style menu, conceptualised by Oliver Cattermole, executive chef of Leeu Estates and Leeu House, with dishes to pair with the craft brews. The simple yet flavour-packed offering includes game-fish ceviche, spiced nachos, crispy chicken tacos, and chilli-and-lime wings.

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Tuk Tuk Microbrewery at sunset. Photograph courtesy of the restaurant.