The Maker's Brew: craft beer and sourdough pizza on Barrydale's Route 62

Barrydale may be a small Klein Karoo village, but it knows how to do food and drink with real character and few places capture that creative, hands-on spirit better than The Maker's Brew. This compact craft brewery on Route 62 has become a firm favourite with locals and road-trippers alike (it holds a solid 4.6-star rating on Restaurant Guru), and it's an easy highlight to slot into any Karoo Escapes itinerary.

A Capetonian's change of pace

The Maker's Brew was started by Ryno Reyneke, a Capetonian who came to Barrydale in search of a slower, more creative way of life,  a story you'll hear again and again in this town. The result is a strikingly modern, pared-back space that stands out on Barrydale's restaurant-lined main road, right beside the historic Dutch Reformed Church. It's the kind of spot where you can sip a tasting flight, nibble a pizza and watch the Route 62 traffic drift by  and with wooden blocks on hand to keep little ones busy, it's genuinely family-friendly too. The motto sums up the philosophy nicely: "not just another brewery, but rather a journey."

Four beers, brewed on site

At the heart of it all is the beer, and The Maker's Brew keeps things focused with four house styles, each brewed on the premises:

Blonde – an easy-drinking ale with moderate malt and gentle bitterness, a good place to start.
Saison – highly carbonated and lower in alcohol, with bright fruity and spicy notes.
Amber – a darker, maltier ale with a stronger, rounder flavour.
Porter – a dark, full-bodied beer for those who like richness and depth.

The best way in is a tasting tray, ideally paired with a tapas platter, while the team talks you through each brew. Prices, as one regular put it, lean conservative rather than cosmopolitan,  easy on the wallet by city standards. Not a beer drinker? There are wines, well-made gin and tonics, and good coffee too.

Possibly the best pizza in town
The kitchen has earned a serious reputation for its sourdough-based pizzas, with a handful of toppings designed specifically to complement the beers. Many visitors rate them among the best in Barrydale, unfussy, full of flavour and made with care. As a rough pairing guide, the lighter Blonde and Saison sit beautifully with fresh, simple pizzas, while the Amber and Porter stand up to richer, meatier toppings. On the first Wednesday of each month, the brewery teams up with a local restaurant for a special collaboration, adding curry dishes to the menu with brews matched to suit,  a fun reason to time your visit.

Plan your visit
You'll find The Maker's Brew on Route 62 at 7a Ladismith Road, Barrydale. It's typically closed early in the week (often Mondays and Tuesdays), so it's worth checking current hours before you go. While you're there, step next door to admire the Helen Vaughan handmade ceramics,  beautiful, locally made pieces that fit right into Barrydale's maker culture.

For craft beer, standout pizza and a relaxed, creative atmosphere, The Maker's Brew is a must on any Karoo Escapes route through the Klein Karoo. Pull up a seat, order a tasting tray, and settle into the unhurried rhythm of Barrydale.

The Maker's Brew

7a Ladismith Road, Barrydale (just off Route 62, by the Dutch Reformed Church)
Phone: 083 626 6121 | Email: [email protected]
Facebook: facebook.com/TheMakersBrew
Usually closed Mondays and Tuesdays