A Short Walk will take You from Brews made from Beans to Brews made with Grains--Summerville's New Beer Hall

Just a few short strides will take you from brews made from beans to brews made with grains. Coastal Coffee Roasters is one of Summerville's favorite daytime hangouts, while recently opened Godwin's Beer Hall hopes to become one of the town's favorite late afternoon/evening gathering spots.

"Drink your way around the world with good company and great beer" is Godwin's Beer Hall's visionary slogan printed in bold letters on its menu located at the end of its wrap-around bar. The diverse selection of brews from over 20 countries in both bottles and cans are listed for you to peruse. Once you made your choice, you can either sit at one of its many community tables or relax in an English style den dominated by an extensive library overshadowing a couch setting with side chairs.

It was an early Saturday afternoon, and I was seeking a quick refresher. I decided to put Godwin's slogan to the test with my first visit since its opening. My intention was very specific. With my surname being Dunbar, nothing but Scottish was going to be my preference, particularly an ale. Scanning the list, a Belhaven Ale from Scotland caught my attention--choice made.

The bartender cracked the tall can and carefully poured its contents into the glass. I waited for the deep copper colored brew to settle, and after a long minute, took a generous sip. It was exactly the way the print on the can described it to be, rich-nutty-smoooooooth.

After doing a search, I learned Belhaven Brewery is located in the picturesque area of East Lothian. To my surprise, its location is in the area of Scotland named after my family, nestled amongst the rolling barley fields of Dunbar, just 20 miles from Edinburgh. Established in 1719, it is also near a monastery site dating back to 1150 AD.

Belhaven's Scottish Ale has been announced as the Gold Winner at the Monde Selection 2022 Awards and given the bronze award at the World Beer Awards 2022. It is brewed using malted barley and fresh spring water from a local source together with Belhaven's own unique yeast.

Godwin's Beer Hall's decor blends very nicely with its English influenced story and its beers from around the world theme with maps, globes, and shelves stacked with European literature. On your next visit, put Scotland's Belhaven Ale to the taste test. In my confident estimation, you will be beerfully gratified. Its warm copper color and very smooth nutty taste will refresh you.

108 E 3rd N Street

Summerville, SC

Tuesday to Thursday 4pm-10pm

Friday and Saturday 11am-10pm

Two Summerville Favorites Team Up--Azalea Bar and Garden and Historical Dining's Chef Vince Dodson

Azalea Bar and Garden at 219 S Cedar Street, Summerville's new cocktail hot spot, is the perfect place to grab a refresher plus one with your closest friends or significant other. A diversified list of craft cocktails are offered. My two favorites thus far are the Hemingway Daiquiri (White rum, lime juice, Maraschino liquor, grapefruit juice, simple syrup, and lime twist for $12) and Dr. Shephard (Sweet tea vodka, ruby port, pink lemonade, and fresh mint for $12). Specialty curated wine, a selection of local craft beers, and a menu of Southern favorites round out its unique presentations.

Dr. Shepard

Since its opening, it has collected a dedicated following of Summerville residents, goal achieved. However, successful businesses always find ways of becoming better, and Azalea Bar and Garden has just upped their game.

The Azalea Bar and Garden has formed a partnership with Historical Dining and Personal Chef Vince Dodson. Starting Sunday, July 10th, The Azalea Bar and Garden will open its doors to present a multi-course tapas-type brunch. The event will feature an alternating cuisine of French and Italian. Seating time is at 10 am and 1 pm promptly.

The menu will change each week and appear on Historical Dining's website and Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages. The price per person is $35, which includes a beverage. Credit cards and cash will be accepted during brunch service.

There will be limited seating, so make your reservations beforehand at Historical Dining. Reservations for each Sunday must be made no later than the Friday before. Enter your name, email, phone number, and party size to hold your reservation. For parties larger than ten, please email tricia1823@gmail.com or chefvincedodson@gmail.com or call (919)358-0768. Other dates available for reservations are July 17, 24, and 31.

The menu for July 10 is as follows.

STARTER: A cup of carrot and curry bisque accompanied by fresh greens topped with yellow bell pepper vinaigrette.

SOMETHING SWEET: Fresh crepes topped with a white chocolate sauce garnished with fresh raspberries and slivers of roasted almonds.

THIRD BITE: Deep dish Quiche with caramelized onions, fire roasted tomatoes, and laced with goat cheese. Garnished with cantaloupe and fresh grapes. Poached salmon in Sancerre wine piped into puff pastry topped with Val-Wa sauce. This sauce is named after the queen of Spain, Elizabeth Valois, 1545-1568.

LAYERS: Honey yogurt layered with fresh strawberries.

Parting Gift: Signature roasted almond banana nut Bundt cake.

Azalea Bar and Garden article.

Historical Dining article.