Ballistic continued their fast-blooming love affair with their hometown of Brisbane in spring 2019 with the opening of a third venue in less than four years: the Ballistic Springfield Brewery, Bar & Kitchen.
The opening of the Springfield venue expands their footprint across the south of the city and makes them the first Queensland brewery to operate three venues, after launching their brewery in Salisbury at the start of 2016 and following up with the Ballistic Alehouse & Kitchen the following year. Building a family of venues is their way of creating and maintaining their own market amid an increasingly competitive marketplace for craft beer in South East Queensland, so expect to hear about more locations in the future.
From the off, they've been big believers in and proponents of the role of beer in the community (and vice versa). They even hosted a community day at their Salisbury brewery before the brewery was fired up, and plan to continue actively supporting local organisations at the third venue.
From the off, the Springfield team has been working with local businesses to source their edible flowers and hot sauces, while offering opportunities for local hospitality students to undertake their practical work.
But what of the venue itself? Well, when the site of the former Springfield Central Tavern caught the eye of venue manager Wade Curtis and brewery founder David Kitchen, it proved too good an opportunity to pass up. With oodles of outdoor space for seating and bordering a grassed square that immediately evokes visions of kids playing outside while their parents meet and watch on over an award-winning beer, the space ticked every box for Ballistic to develop a community hub in the area.
What's more, walking into Ballistic Springfield is like walking into a mate’s place, if that mate’s place has capacity for 350 people and an 800-litre brewery. The vibe is warm and welcoming, with a bright interior and a spacious 20-tap bar backed by a huge wall of white subway tiles that draws your attention from almost every angle. The design breaks the open plan interior up into more intimate spaces, while large, folding glass doors open wide to bring the outdoors in.
The crowd leans towards the casual and mostly local, with the friendly banter occasionally embellished by a musician playing in the background. On tap, you’ll find Ballistic’s core range, including the Springfield Pilsner designed specifically for the venue and their Southside Fresh Apple Cider, alongside smaller releases.
The last of these is an area the brewery team is particularly excited about, with the on-site microbrewery creating the ability to produce more pilot and small-batch beers that will then serve all three venues; prior to Springfield’s opening, their 200 litre pilot brewery was only capable of producing enough beer per batch to serve Salisbury.
With 20 taps to play with, they’re also featuring guest beers, while wine and spirit drinkers haven’t been forgotten, with a quality selection available for those who haven’t yet found a beer they love.
Every good beer is enhanced by good food, and Ballistic knows that all too well. Here, think "elevated pub grub" and you’ll be on the right track. The team has created an approachable menu that, at launch, was using house beers in a number of dishes like the beer-brined wings and IPA waffles, as well as offering kids menu options if you’re visiting with little ones. They’ve also got you covered with cheese platters and charcuterie if grazing on a share plate is more your style.
It’s a lovely, thoughtfully put together space that feels homely whether you’re there for the first time or the hundredth. Whether you’re studying, working or living in the area – or just visiting – drop into Ballistic Springfield for a beer, a chat, and some wholesome community vibes.
Jakkii Musgrave