An Anthology of Ales - also known as How to have your Tusker in Three Views – also known as A Port Vila Pub Crawl

By Damian Kelly

Little gets me excited more that the sun, the sound of coconut palms rustling and the scent of salt wafting on the breeze. But there is a way to elevate the experience. To elevate your experience, there are a few simple steps to follow:

First, close the lid of your laptop. Then, throw your phone into the bottom of your bag. Finally, walk to the closest waterfront bar, slinging ice-cold Tuskers. Consume in chill moderation, as the ambience deserves. It’s truly that simple.

On one hot, tropical night in Port Vila, I followed just that advice. But once the first Tusker hit, I knew I had to work out whether it was the brew, the view or something else that had elevated the experience.

Waterfront – Draught Tusker

A staple of Port Vila, Waterfront – expansive views of the harbour. Flags waving to remind you, its nautical themed, if the splash of light waves and sound of outboard motors wasn’t enough to drive that home. You can also see the famous Irriki Island bures staring straight at you, it looks like, it feels like and it sounds like the Pacific.

If you get here early enough, say just when work clocks off, you may score a waterfront seat. Imagine that – waterfront viewing at Waterfront. It’s what’s required to experience the show, so don’t miss it. Clouds turn golden orange and pink. And if you have that front row seat, its all yours. You won’t even realise that you’re still at a public bar (you’ll think its all privately yours)…

But, I digress – it's time for a drink. There’s a huge drink menu. So, when overwhelmed, order a Tusker. This one is provided on tap. What a treat. It's refreshing, hearty and cools you down in seconds.

You can breathe now, relax, enjoy the sunset. But before the sun sets, time to move onward.

To the Banyan.

Banyan – Bottled Tusker

Great wisdom is said to come from sitting below a bodhi tree. There’s likely truth there. But, I feel nirvana is actually achieved under a banyan tree, mainly because its unsafe to sit under a coconut palm.

There’s a whole different vibe here – crates and low chairs. Sand between the toes (if you kick off those leather boots). It has the whole Treasure Island, Gillian’s Island and Jack Sparrow being marooned with only rum all-in-one vibe. Well, minus jolly rogers flying over the horizon. Over the horizon, the sun is still setting.

There’s a whole different show here. Somehow, more casual. Denizens and tourists arrive in a variety of ways. You might even be lucky and see someone kayak to the shore, undoubtedly escaping the tribulations of family holidays. When they arrive, they do what everyone else does – walk to the bar and get a bottle of Tusker.

Tusker in a bottle. Lighter, crisper, fresher – this seemed like the way to enjoy a Tusker. Maybe it was the beer after all and not the views? Time to move on and crack the code.

LaLaLa (nee Village) – Tusker followed by a Cocktail

The sun is getting low, but luckily there are only a few clouds, and the sky is high and open. Meaning, more minutes to enjoy the sunrise. When you get to Lalala, the entrance is unassuming – but don’t be fooled. What exists beyond, is a dream plucked straight from Greece.

White painted walls, blue accents – are you in the Cyclades or Vanuatu? Beyond some geographic confusion. The Tusker here tastes just as it does everywhere; delicious. And you can always follow it with a cocktail (there are many to choose from). I did just that, a French 75. A bit decadent, but definitely the way to celebrate the sunset. Champagne and sea breeze to play out the remaining minutes of the day.