Beers by Bacon Brothers Menu: Craft Beer & Bacon in Christchurch

There’s something about a burger joint that takes its beer list as seriously as its bacon – in Christchurch, Bacon Brothers has built a reputation on exactly that, with a rotating lineup of 30 craft beer taps that changes often enough to keep locals coming back. This article walks through who runs the place, what beers you can expect, and how to pair them with one of the best bacon menus in town.

Number of taps: 30 ·
Founder: Troy Bilbrough ·
Location: Christchurch, New Zealand

Five fast facts, one takeaway: the beer menu at Bacon Brothers is built for discovery, with each rotation bringing a new chance to match a brew with bacon.

Who is the owner of Bacon Brothers?

Troy Bilbrough’s role at Bacon Bros.

• Troy Bilbrough is the Founder and Managing Director of Bacon Bros. Ltd., the company behind the brand (Bacon Brothers official site (company info)).
• He launched the business from a farmers’ market stall, which the official site calls “The Stall” at the Christchurch Farmers Market (Bacon Brothers official site (history)).

Troy Bilbrough didn’t start with a restaurant – he built Bacon Brothers from a market stall into a mini empire with multiple Christchurch locations, including Shaka Bros and the main burger bar at Little High Eatery.

History of Bacon Brothers Christchurch

• The first Burger Bar opened at 255 Saint Asaph Street inside the Little High Eatery (Bacon Brothers official site (locations)).
• The Beers by Bacon Bros venue at 477b Blenheim Road is the dedicated taproom and BBQ joint (Tripadvisor listing).

The pattern: Bilbrough expanded from a market stall to a permanent taproom, betting that a rotating craft beer selection could anchor a bacon-centric menu. That bet paid off – the venue now draws both local beer geeks and curious tourists.

What beers pair well with bacon?

Classic beer styles for bacon

Beer and bacon are a classic pairing because the salt and fat in bacon cut through the bitterness of hops and the sweetness of malt. The editors at Craft Beer & Brewing (industry authority on beer) highlight that smoked porters, amber ales, and fruited sours often work best. For a bacon-heavy menu, a crisp lager can also reset the palate between bites.

Recommended pairings from the Bacon Brothers menu

• Happy hour (Monday–Friday, 4–7pm) is the perfect time to test a few styles with a slider (Bacon Brothers official site).
• The Meaty Boy burger ($17) comes loaded with double bacon – a rich, savoury base that stands up to a bold IPA or a dark stout.

The catch: because the tap list rotates, a favourite pairing might not be there next week. That’s part of the appeal – regulars check the what’s on tap page before heading in.

What are some popular beer brands in New Zealand?

Top New Zealand craft breweries

New Zealand’s beer scene punches above its weight. Lion, Speight’s, and Steinlager dominate the mainstream, but craft breweries like Emerson’s, Garage Project, and Tuatara have built dedicated followings. According to Wikipedia (general reference on NZ beer), the country now has more than 200 craft breweries, with Christchurch emerging as a hotspot.

Beers available on tap at Bacon Brothers

• The venue features 30 taps with a rotating selection of New Zealand craft beers (Beers by Bacon Bros official site).
• Styles range from fruited sours to imperial stouts, depending on what’s seasonal and what the brewers are releasing.

One recent check on Untappd showed 28 different beers listed – a mix of local flagships and limited releases (Untappd venue page).

The takeaway: Bacon Brothers acts as a rotating showcase for Kiwi craft beer, making it a convenient crash course for visitors who want to taste what New Zealand brewing has to offer.

Are The Bacon Brothers related to Kevin Bacon?

The origin of the name ‘Bacon Brothers’

• The restaurant is not related to the band or actor Kevin Bacon. The name simply reflects the menu’s focus on bacon (Bacon Brothers official site).
• The Bacon Brothers band includes Kevin Bacon and his brother Michael (Q&A with The Bacon Brothers – National School Boards Association).

It’s a common mix-up. The band’s music has nothing to do with pork, and the restaurant has no Hollywood ties. The name was chosen for its straightforward appeal: bacon is the star.

Kevin Bacon’s connection to the band

The actor and his sibling formed The Bacon Brothers band in the mid-1990s, releasing several albums. No evidence links them to the Christchurch eatery.

The implication: if you’re searching for Kevin Bacon’s restaurant, this isn’t it. But if you want a bacon-focused craft beer experience, you’re in the right place.

Is Richard Emerson deaf?

Richard Emerson’s impact on New Zealand brewing

• Richard Emerson is a Kiwi beer legend who is deaf (Stuff (New Zealand news outlet)).
• He founded Emerson’s Brewery in Dunedin, which grew into one of the country’s most respected craft brands (Wikipedia – Emerson’s Brewery).

Emerson’s influence on NZ craft beer is undeniable, but whether his beers rotate through Bacon Brothers’ 30 taps remains unconfirmed. Given the brewery’s popularity, it’s likely – but the tap list changes too fast to guarantee.

Emerson’s beers on the Bacon Brothers menu

• The official Bacon Brothers site does not list specific breweries on the what’s-on-tap page, making it impossible to confirm Emerson’s presence on any given day (Beers by Bacon Bros what’s on tap).
• Untappd check-ins at the venue occasionally show Emerson’s Bookbinder Ale and other Emerson’s brews, suggesting they do appear.

The pattern: Richard Emerson’s story – a deaf brewer who built a craft beer empire – adds a human layer to the NZ beer scene. Bacon Brothers, by rotating through dozens of local breweries, gives his beers a stage whenever they’re tapped.

Editor’s note: The quotes above come from the restaurant’s own marketing and from user-generated reviews. They illustrate the casual, enthusiastic vibe that defines the venue.

For a detailed breakdown of the nearly 30 rotating taps and their current prices, check out a comprehensive menu guide that includes a handy PDF.

Frequently asked questions

For Christchurch locals and visitors alike, the Bacon Brothers menu offers more than just bacon – it’s a rotating window into New Zealand’s craft beer scene. The choice is clear: grab a seat during happy hour, order a slider and a pint you’ve never tried, and let the tap list surprise you. Or stick with a classic amber ale and the Meaty Boy burger. Whichever you choose, Bacon Brothers delivers a pairing that works.

Related reading: Hamilton Beer and Wine: Reviews, Menu, Location Guide · Pink Lady Rooftop Reviews – Christchurch Bar Ratings and Tips