Born in Beechworth, brewing in Brunswick, Bridge Road Brewers is now open in Melbourne.
In a significant move that’s set to shake up Melbourne’s craft beer scene, Bridge Road Brewers, the pioneering craft brewery hailing from Beechworth, has unveiled its eagerly awaited Melbourne venue.
Nestled in the heart of Brunswick, the new establishment, Bridge Road Brewers Brunswick, marks a bold departure from the brewery’s rustic High Country origins, offering a fresh, contemporary twist on the traditional beer hall concept.
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After years of planning and anticipation, the doors of Bridge Road Brewers Brunswick finally opened last week (September 22), inviting beer enthusiasts and culinary explorers alike to experience a captivating blend of modernity and brewing tradition.
This spacious brewery and dining hall, with a capacity to accommodate 350 patrons, encapsulates the essence of Australian craft beer culture. Drawing on creative collaboration, the venue features striking op-art designs by local artist D.R.E.Z. that infuse the dining spaces with a vibrant and dazzling aesthetic while preserving the distinctive charm that is quintessentially Bridge Road Brewers.
Heading up the culinary experience is Head Chef Jabili Mchawala, who has crafted a menu inspired by both the diverse flavours of global cuisines and the bountiful produce of North East Victoria, the brewery’s home turf. The menu pays homage to the classic pizzas and soft pretzels, utilizing an authentic Austrian recipe from founder Maria, which have become staples at their sister venue in Beechworth. Moreover, the kids’ menu offers a refreshing departure from the conventional nuggets-and-chips fare.
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At the heart of the venue lies a fully operational brewery, where a staggering selection of in-house brewed beers graces a 30-tap bar, complemented by a lineup of classics from the Bridge Road Brewers portfolio. Whether you prefer your brews light and easy, hoppy and hazy, dark and malty, or sour and fruity, this diverse range caters to everyone, from the craft beer novice to the adventurous connoisseur.
Reflecting on this exciting expansion, founders Ben and Maria Kraus shared their thoughts: “We have developed our vision for this venue across many years, having dreamt that we’d one day have an outpost in one of Melbourne’s great food and drink neighborhoods.” Ben continued, “The inner north in a lot of ways is the heartland of craft beer in Australia. There’s a high concentration of bars and pubs that cater to quality craft beer and a genuine passion from the public. It’s an inspiring place to be amongst so many who value the craft behind the beer. We’ve been enjoyed on tap for years at venues in the region, and there was no question in my mind as to where Bridge Road Brewers would set its roots in Melbourne.”
He further elaborated, “Our approach has been to create a space that is vibrant and inviting, with a quality experience at its heart. We’re pouring our most popular beers and will continually be creating venue-specific beers via the in-house production brewery. In the kitchen, we’re genuinely excited about how the menu is going to appeal to a sophisticated, yet unpretentious crowd.”
Bridge Road Brewers has undoubtedly been at the forefront of the brewing scene in 2023, earning accolades as both Victoria’s Best Brewery Venue and Victoria’s Best Craft Beer. The opening of Bridge Road Brewers Brunswick is the crowning achievement of a remarkable year, marking a new era for this iconic independent brewery.
As Bridge Road Brewers Brunswick raises its glasses to Melbourne, it’s clear that a vibrant future awaits, where beer aficionados and food lovers can converge in an atmosphere of creativity and quality that only Bridge Road Brewers can offer.
Bridge Road Brewers is located at 137/141 Nicholson St, Brunswick East. Find out more here.
