For years, Maitland locals looking for something beyond the ordinary pub fare have
become all too familiar with the trip to Newcastle for a night out. But things are slowly
changing.

Walking into the recently opened King Bill IV, there’s not a schooner of VB in
sight or a schnitzel on the menu. Instead, there’s craft beer galore across 12 constantly
changing taps, and tributes to all things local.

King Bill IV is a craft beer bar and restaurant that harks back to yesteryear. The walls are
decorated with a 150 square metre mural of Maitland history by Hunter artist Mitch
Rezevsky, bringing to life some of the stories and icons that locals might recognise- Les
Darcy and the Indian Root Pills sign immediately spring to mind.

The huge sign sitting proudly behind the bar proclaiming “Free House – King William IV” is an original relic from England. In true 17th century spirit it voyaged to Maitland by ship and now oversees everything that happens as the centrepiece of the bar.

The namesake was chosen in honour of the steam ship – the King William IV – which was built in in Clarence Town.

In keeping with the localised theme, an entire night will be dedicated this week to thebeers made by Morpeth Brewery and Beer Co, not far from King Bill’s castle.

The 12 tap beers of the venue will be taken over by Morpeth-made beers, as a craft beer degustation dinner gets underway.

Serving six-courses of tapas style meals matched with 6 different beers from the family-run brewery, Maitland locals will have a chance to enjoy a night of local produce and brews – all without having to travel to Newcastle.

The Morpeth Brewery Degustation is on Thursday 1st May, 6.30pm. To book, call (02) 4933 7050.

For more information, visit the King Bill IV Facebook page.