Day 12: A lesson in beer making

Thursday in Shanghai provided a highlight of the trip with a trip to Pudong to see Leon Mickleson at Brew – but first an early morning start at NZ Central.

A breakfast at Kea that Fran was speaking at was the first stop for the morning. Like in Beijing, the theme was xenophobia and investment in New Zealand with a focus on the Crafar Farms.

The breakfast also gave me the chance to sit down with Darren Foo, a Wellington College alum who will feature in an upcoming face to face.

A quiet afternoon offered the chance for some exploring around Shanghai. I decided to take in some retail on Nanjing West Road, including a trip to the markets – an activity quickly becoming a favourite pastime on this trip.

For the evening I was heading out to the Kerry Hotel in Pudong to meet Leon Mickleson – the man behind BREW – an award winning craft brewery restaurant inside the hotel.

BREW is an impressive place from the moment you walk in and leaves no doubt that the beer is undoubtedly the star attraction, although the man behind them runs a close second.

Leon took me on a guided tour of the facilities at the centre of the restaurant, a three-storied glass cylinder “where the magic happens” and the beer is made, before sitting down to sample an extended range of his crafts.

Also taking in some of Leon’s handiworks was Ryan Scott, a teacher from Dulwich College driving the growth of rugby in the region.

Both Leon and Ryan gave interviews speaking at length about China as well as what they’re doing here – both gave some really unique insight and will feature in upcoming stories on newzealandinc.com

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