Iconic Scottish craft brewery BrewDog is taking over Coburg’s historic Pentridge Prison with a new multi-level bar and beer garden.
Three years after launching its Brisbane taphouse, Iconic Scottish craft brewery BrewDog is teaming up with Aus Venue Co (the group behind spots like Harlow, The Smith, and State of Grace) to open a series of bars across Australia, including Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, with the potential for further expansion.
Renowned as the world’s largest craft beer bar operator, BrewDog’s first bar to be opened in 2022 will be BrewDog Pentridge, within the walls of the iconic Melbourne prison.
The key takeaways
- BrewDog and Australian Venue Co. Partner to open BrewDog Bars in Australia
- The first bar to be opened in 2022 will be BrewDog Pentridge, within the walls of the iconic Melbourne prison
- The partnership will bring together Australia’s leading pub operator and the world’s largest craft beer bar operator for expansion in Australia
Keep up with the latest food and booze news across the region here.
Located within the historic E Division building at Pentridge Prison, the two-level BrewDog Pentridge is set to become a go-to destination in Melbourne for craft beer lovers. The restored interiors will offer a nod to the history of the iconic site, while the beer garden will offer a modern and casual experience.
Set to open in Spring 2022, BrewDog Pentridge will feature an indoor dining room and lounge on the ground floor, event spaces on level 1 and a large outdoor beer garden with BrewDog container bar, bookable spaces and games area. So far we like what the 1100-square-metre venue is promising.
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Alongside Melbourne’s venue, the brewery has also dropped first news of Brewdog Fortitude Valley. Opening a new venue on Brunswick Street, this three level heritage listed building and beer garden will be dishing up fresh beer from their Murarrie brewery.
“Australia is one of the most exciting and dynamic craft beer countries in the world. Since opening our taproom and brewery in Brisbane, we’ve been blown away by the support we’ve received from the local community,” says BrewDog co-founder Martin Dickie.
“We’re delighted to be working with AVC, Australia’s leading pub and bar operator, to open multiple BrewDog bars in Australia. These beacons of beer will be a true showcase of our brand, with a focus on high-quality beer, fantastic food experiences and exceptional service. We can’t wait for this project to get underway with BrewDog Pentridge!”
The news follows what’s been an incredibly challenging past two years for the hospitality industry worldwide. Despite the uncertain times, both BrewDog and AVC have accelerated their expansion plans, with BrewDog recently opening new sites in Mumbai, India and New Albany in USA, and with construction underway on huge flagship bars in Las Vegas and Waterloo, London – both set to open later this year.
AVC has proven resilient to the challenging conditions over the last two years and has continued to grow through a number of acquisitions as well as investment in an extensive capital works program, which has included Sarah Sands Hotel in Melbourne, Crown Hotel in Brisbane and Little Pearl in Sydney.
BrewDog Pentridge will be located at Pentridge Prison, 1 Champ Street, Coburg, from spring 2022. Find out more here.
